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  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Clair Shores Man Convicted of Importing, Possessing, and Transferring Machineguns, and Failing to Keep Proper Records as a Federal Firearms Licensee

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – A St. Clair Shores man was convicted by a federal jury this week on charges of illegally importing, possessing, and transferring machineguns, as well as failing to keep proper records as a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., announced today.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir.

    Chase Farmer, 26, was convicted following a week-long jury trial before United States District Judge Gershwin Drain. 

    Evidence presented at trial established that in 2020, Chase Farmer applied for and received a license to deal in firearms. His business was called Shall Not Be Infringed LLC. Farmer did not have a license to import firearms, including machineguns. Yet from 2020 to 2021, he made four orders on a now-defunct Russian website called Silencer Sales for machinegun conversion devices, including Glock switches and drop in auto sears. Farmer paid for the devices in Rubles and used an alias to avoid detection by law enforcement. Although Farmer purchased and received approximately 30 machinegun conversion devices from Silencer Sales, when the ATF searched Farmer’s home and business in 2022, he only had two drop in auto sears in his possession. Farmer was unable to account for the 28 missing machinegun conversion devices. After deliberating for approximately an hour, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts.

    U.S. Attorney Gorgon stated, “Machinegun conversion devices gravely endanger our community by turning semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machineguns. Chase Farmer sought out the ability to deal and manufacture firearms, but he flagrantly ignored his responsibility to follow the law. Farmer is responsible for putting 28 machinegun conversion devices on the street and potentially in the hands of criminals.”

    “This wasn’t negligence – it was pure greed at its core,” said ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Chase Farmer abused the trust the government placed in him as a federal firearms licensee to nefariously acquire and distribute illegal conversion devices, using fake identities and foreign currency to avoid detection by law enforcement. This is what illegal firearms trafficking looks like: An individual putting personal greed before our community’s safety.  This case is representative of ATF’s core mission to protect the public.  Mr. Farmer’s actions were a clear and present danger to our overall safety by knowingly putting 28 machine gun conversion devices on our streets.”

    Farmer will be sentenced by Judge Drain in the summer of 2025. He faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years’ incarceration.

    This case was investigated by the ATF and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diane Princ and Sarah Alsaden.   

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Senate Colleagues Slam Social Security for Improperly Declaring Thousands Dead, Call for Watchdog Investigation 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Trump Administration abused Death Master File to purge at least 6,300 Social Security numbers–including children and seniors 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, this week joined 11 Senate colleagues in slamming the Social Security Administration (SSA) for transferring thousands of Social Security numbers associated with immigrants to SSA’s Death Master File, marking them as dead to pressure ‘self-deportation,’ and demanded the agency’s watchdog launch a full investigation into the decision.  
    In their letter, the Senators emphasize that the Trump Administration’s actions exploit Social Security’s Death Master File to terminate social security numbers of living individuals without full due process violates several federal laws, including the Privacy Act, as well as bedrock constitutional rights. Even Trump’s lawyers reportedly agreed that Social Security’s actions violated the Privacy Act.  
    “This decision will result in the ‘financial murder’ of living individuals improperly placed in the file, with everything from their credit cards and banking to their ability to access healthcare and housing being ripped out from under them,” the Senators wrote in the letters to Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek and Social Security Assistant Inspector General for Audit Michelle Anderson.  
    The Senators also called on the SSA Office of the Inspector General to launch a full investigation into the agency’s decision to begin using the Death Master File for this purpose, including how an individual gets targeted, who at the agency has decision making authority, and how those who have their SSNs nullified through this process can get it fixed if there is a mistake. 
    The Trump Administration’s abuse of Social Security’s centerpiece role in America’s economy sets a dangerous precedent of allowing the government to rip away workers’ access to their earned Social Security benefits while threatening the security of all Americans. 
    “The purpose of SSA is to provide for the welfare of number-holders and their dependents, not to serve as an arm of President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda. This move degrades the solvency, reliability, and accuracy of SSA systems and programs. It is as cruel as it is thoughtless– the impact will be felt in communities across the country and in the future of SSA programs themselves,” the Senators concluded in one of their letters to SSA. 
    In addition to Senators Welch and Wyden, the letter was signed by Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Angus King (I-Maine), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore).  
    Read and download the full text of the letter to SSA Acting Commissioner Dudek. 
    Read and download the full text of the letter to SSA Assistant Inspector General for Audit Anderson. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: How the Industry of Drones is Evolving Rapidly with New Trends and Technologies Emerging Regularly

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Experts in the drone industry are excited about its future. One such player said: “As we soar into a new era of technological innovation, drones are rapidly becoming a significant part of our everyday lives. From aerial photography to package delivery and from environmental monitoring to emergency response, drones are revolutionizing numerous industries.” They continued: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are at the forefront of drone technology advancements. Companies… are leading the way in this area with drones that can navigate complex environments autonomously using AI.  The market for AI in drones is expected to grow significantly, impacting sectors like agriculture, construction, and security. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the market size for drones with AI is expected to grow from $2.1 billion in 2022 to $6.5 billion by 2027. The trend towards increased autonomy in drone technology is gaining momentum.  Companies are developing drones that can perform complex tasks without human intervention, such as detecting leaks, inspecting pipelines, and even charging themselves. This increased autonomy is expected to boost efficiency and productivity in various sectors, including agriculture, construction, and logistics. For example, autonomous drones can be used for precision agriculture, where they can monitor crop health, apply fertilizers, and even harvest crops. The enormous commercial potential is why the global precision agriculture market size is expected to reach $19.24 billion by 2030.”   Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), Palladyne AI Corp. (NASDAQ: PDYN), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT).

    MarketsandMarkets added: “Drone swarming, the coordinated operation of multiple drones, is another emerging trend. Each drone in a swarm operates autonomously yet in harmony with the others, allowing the swarm to cover larger areas and perform tasks more efficiently than a single drone. Companies… are pioneering this technology, using it to create stunning light shows at live events. However, the potential applications of drone swarming extend far beyond entertainment. For example, in search and rescue operations, a swarm of drones can cover a large area to search for signs of life, allowing rescue teams to locate and reach victims more quickly. This technology could prove invaluable in the aftermath of natural disasters, where time is of the essence. The world of drones is evolving rapidly, with new trends and technologies emerging regularly. These advancements are opening up new applications and markets, from agriculture and construction to healthcare and entertainment. As we continue to explore the potential of these versatile machines, it’s clear that drones will play an increasingly important role in our future.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Tests Proprietary Camera Enabling IQ Nano Drone Swarms for US Defense Applications and Blue UAS Submission – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone is testing a new proprietary specialized camera that enables more efficient indoor applications such as inventory and security management, when utilizing IQ Nano drone swarms for commercial and US defense applications. The new camera prototype developed by its Taiwan component manufacturing subsidiary, Spider Vision Sensors, in collaboration with its certified electronics manufacturing partner, Suntek Global, will enable faster and more precise collection of data including multiple bar codes simultaneously scanned by multiple drones in a drone swarm. The company plans to apply for Blue UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) certification that lists and validates drones for military and government use.

    “Our Spider Vision Sensors subsidiary in collaboration with Suntek Global, has helped us speed up development of customized and specialized cameras required for our innovative drone swarm applications for commercial and defense customers. This partnership will continue to be invaluable as we develop our NDAA-compliant supply chain and received Blue UAS certification which will allow military and federal agencies to directly purchase our drones.,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    Military and Defense departments use small autonomous indoor drones like the 10X10 inch IQ Nano for various applications such as inventory management, indoor building reconnaissance, search and rescue, training simulations, and explosives detection. ZenaDrone is also engaged in a paid trial which includes developing drone swarm applications for inventory management and security applications with a multinational auto parts manufacturer customer.

    A drone swarm is a coordinated group of autonomous drones that communicate and work together using AI and real-time data sharing, to perform tasks collaboratively without direct human control. Drone swarms enhance efficiency, accuracy, automation, and performance compared to a single drone. Autonomous drones can rapidly scan thousands of bar codes or RFID tags per second with high accuracy, providing real-time visibility into inventory without disrupting workflows. A drone swarm can also cover more ground simultaneously, dramatically reducing inventory audit times and manual labour while providing near-total inventory visibility.

    An AI drone swarm for indoor security and surveillance enhances coverage, response time, and efficiency by autonomously patrolling large areas, detecting threats, and providing real-time situational awareness. Unlike stationary cameras or human patrols, drone swarms can dynamically adapt to security breaches, track intruders, and coordinate movements to eliminate blind spots. AI-driven analytics enable them to identify anomalies, recognize faces, and detect unauthorized activity with high precision, reducing false alarms and improving security decision-making. Their autonomous nature minimizes human labor costs while ensuring 24/7 monitoring in complex environments like warehouses, data centers, or commercial facilities.

    The ZenaDrone IQ Nano is available in 10×10 and 20×20-inch sizes, designed to perform regular and frequent inspections such as bar code or RFID scanning, facility maintenance inspections, security monitoring, 3D indoor mapping and other applications inside a warehouse, distribution, or plant facility. It is designed for autonomous use featuring integrated sensors, high-quality cameras, data collection and analysis including AI methodologies. Weighing 1.5kg and with a flight time of at least 20 minutes before utilizing the automatic battery recharging station, it is designed for hovering stability and safety with obstacle avoidance capabilities.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) Expands Ireland Office Offering Drone as a Service (DaaS) Including Precision Agriculture to a European Market Growing at 28.6% Annually – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces it will be expanding operations and opening a new, larger office and its European Headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. The new hub will facilitate the Company’s drone sales and DaaS drone services — including precision agriculture solutions — to a growing UK and European market. The Company anticipates the official grand opening during the summer of 2025.

    Strategically located near Dublin Airport and accessible via all major motorways, the new office location will serve a growing customer base in Ireland and enable growth across Europe, catering to agriculture as well as construction, renewable energy — including wind and solar farms — golf courses, racecourses, and warehouse and logistics.

    “Expanding our Dublin office and establishing a European HQ marks a new chapter in our strategy to scale our drones and DaaS offerings globally while servicing the fastest growing agricultural drone markets located in Europe. Our AI-powered drone solutions are designed to boost crop yields while reducing operational costs and provide smart, data-driven insights — empowering crop monitoring and health assessment, nutrient and resource optimization, and profitability,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    The European agricultural drone market was valued at approximately USD 4.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 43.23 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.58% according to Market Data Forecast . This growth is fueled by the adoption of drones for crop spraying, mapping, pest control, seeding, and remote sensing, which enhance productivity and resource efficiency in farming. Growth is also supported by favorable European government policies and a strong focus on sustainable farming practices.    Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    To meet the emerging air threats of today and the rapidly evolving threats of tomorrow, AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) recently announced Titan 4, the next generation of its battle-proven, warfighter-trusted Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) technology. Titan 4 is a smaller, lighter, more powerful, highly extensible Radio Frequency (RF)-based solution to detect and defeat Group 1 and 2 drone threats.

    Titan 4 is portable and mission-adaptable—supporting mobile, dismounted, or fixed-site use—and can deploy in under five minutes to identify and neutralize threats, creating a protective dome around personnel and infrastructure. Titan 4 is 17% lighter and 73% smaller than its dual-chassis predecessor, now integrated into a single compact chassis as compared to its dual-chassis predecessor. It offers nearly 250% more transmit power with 540W of total output over six RF bands to address both current and emerging threats. For enhanced airspace awareness, AV has integrated its Titan-SV system within Titan 4 to provide operators with AI/ML-backed passive, long-range precision threat detection.

    Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, recently announced it has secured a $3.4 million order for its Iron Drone Raider Counter-UAS system from renowned European defense contractor for their governmental end client. This marks the initial deployment of the Iron Drone Raider in Europe and represents a major milestone in the global expansion of Ondas’ counter-UAS business.

    “Ongoing geopolitical instability and the rapid proliferation of hostile drone technologies have intensified the urgency for effective counter-UAS capabilities across NATO-aligned and partner nations,” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas. “This order reflects the rising global demand for autonomous aerial defense systems that can be rapidly deployed, scaled, and adapted to modern threat environments. Iron Drone Raider delivers a differentiated solution for military and homeland security operators charged with safeguarding critical infrastructure and civilian populations from increasingly sophisticated aerial threats.”

    Palladyne AI Corp. (NASDAQ: PDYN), a developer of artificial intelligence software for robotic platforms in the defense and commercial sectors, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently announced a significant testing milestone in their ongoing collaboration—the completion of an autonomous, cross-platform collaborative flight involving three diverse heterogeneous drones.

    During this most recent testing, which leveraged Red Cat’s Teal 2 and Black Widow drones and the Palladyne™ Pilot AI software, each platform operated using onboard edge computing and constrained communication protocols without reliance on centralized infrastructure to communicate. The system enabled real-time, distributed detection and tracking of multiple dynamic and static ground objects—including humans and vehicles—in different regions of interest, providing a single operator with comprehensive situational awareness. The two companies previously announced a successful two-drone flight operation in January 2025, and Palladyne AI announced a single-drone testing scenario in December 2024 to autonomously identify, prioritize, and track terrestrial targets.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FMQs: Government urged to empower renters rights in Scotland

    Source: Scottish Greens

    08 May 2025

    Renters rights must be key to a fairer, greener Scotland.

    The Scottish Government has been urged to back Green proposals that will empower renters and improve housing rights.

    Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Scottish Green Co-Leader Patrick Harvie underlined his party’s long standing support for rent controls and urged the First Minister to rebalance the private let housing sector in favour of renters.

    Mr Harvie asked the First Minister:  

    “I first raised the need for rent controls well over a decade ago, to the complete disinterest of the SNP Housing Minister of the day.

    “By then private rented housing had already been growing dramatically for years, but rents had continued to spiral.

    “The situation now is far more severe. Even if rent controls had been in place for the last five years, renters in places like Glasgow and Edinburgh would be thousands of pounds a year better off.

    “I’m glad that Green efforts and the work of tenants’ unions have resulted in a Housing Bill with a rent control system for Scotland, even if it is weaker because of SNP amendments. I’m glad that our plans for energy efficiency rules for private landlords are also finally going to happen.

    “But can the First Minister explain why it took so many years of pressure from the Greens to make the SNP accept that rents are too high, standards too low, and that urgent action is needed?”

    In his response the First Minister reiterated his support for the upcoming Housing Bill that was first introduced by Mr Harvie as a Minister.

    In his second question, Mr Harvie asked the First Minister:

    “The frustration comes from the delay, and I know that the frustration is shared by SNP members who voted for rent control policies for many years without action happening.

    “There was never any need for these many years of delay, and we could have done far more good for people by acting sooner.

    “This Housing Bill must make rent more affordable, and it will need to be strengthened to do that.

    “But it must also provide more protection and power for people who rent their homes.

    “People deserve the right to withhold rent payments when issues like mould, damp and overdue repairs are being left by landlords for months, sometimes years on end.

    “Will the First Minister back the Green proposal to give people the right to withhold rent payment until repairs are completed, to stop landlords from profiting while they ignore their responsibilities?

    “Or is this another issue that will take 10 years of pressure before the government acts?”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New reports examine the economic and social impacts of nuclear decommissioning in Scotland A new study led by the National Decommissioning Centre, in collaboration with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), shows that Scotland’s £25 billion nuclear decommissioning programme could deliver significant long-term economic and social benefits at both national and local levels over the next 90 years and beyond.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    A new study led by the National Decommissioning Centre, in collaboration with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), shows that Scotland’s £25 billion nuclear decommissioning programme could deliver significant long-term economic and social benefits at both national and local levels over the next 90 years and beyond.
    The research has highlighted potential economy-wide gains in employment, skills development, household income and consumption offering a positive outlook for communities impacted by the decommissioning process. The study has helped inform politicians and key policy makers on the opportunities and has contributed to the formation of a cross-party committee on nuclear decommissioning in the Scottish Parliament.
    As part of the wider project, the University of Aberdeen’s Just Transition Lab carried out a complementary study to build clear linkages on the broader debates on the Just Transition and report on how local communities in Caithness view the decommissioning process at Dounreay.
    As one of the UK’s key nuclear decommissioning sites, Dounreay plays a crucial role in the NDA’s long-term efforts to safely decommission early nuclear facilities. It has been a stable employer since it was established in the 1950s but the decommissioning process brings uncertainty for the surrounding communities about the future.
    This part of the study found that there are significant impacts of winding down the anchor institution central to high-skilled and high-income employment in the region and that there is a need for a Just Transition in the area. The report found that there is a lack of clarity on how this will be achieved.
    Interviews were carried out with residents and stakeholders in Caithness and North Sutherland directly impacted by decommissioning at Dounreay. The responses were that the issues are compounded by underinvestment in essential infrastructure, rural depopulation, and remoteness. At the same time, the presence of the skilled workforce as well as the increased interest in the region’s renewable energy resources means that decommissioning can be a driver for building future skills and capacities for economic diversification and local resilience.
    Just Transition Lab researchers examined the policy framework of a Just Transition, focusing on how the decommissioning processes align with national and regional visions for a net zero focused economy, how the process of change is engaging with community aspirations for the local economy, and how the policy drivers for a Just Transition are recreated in a remote rural community that faces significant change.
    The researchers also conducted key informant interviews to examine the impacts of decommissioning at Dounreay and the increasing onshore and offshore wind production in Caithness on the local community.
    The findings underscore the necessity for a timely and coordinated approach to regional socio-economic planning in Caithness and North Sutherland. A key aspect of the study is the development of a Just Transition indicator framework tailored to Caithness and North Sutherland. Despite some uncertainties, stakeholders view the decommissioning process as a stabilising force for the region, highlighting its potential to mitigate socio-economic disruptions.
    Dr Daria Shapovalova from the Just Transition Lab said: “This research provides a much-needed framework for planning a Just Transition in regions undergoing significant change. It’s a crucial step toward ensuring that local communities are not left behind in the shift to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. Just Transition context means not only the continuation of employment in the energy sector but also wider community impacts in health and wellbeing, housing, transport and more.”
    Malcolm Stone from the National Decommissioning Centre said: “Whilst it is recognised that the energy sector is undergoing a transition, how the transition will be a ‘just’ one for society is understood less. By considering the impact of decommissioning at the Dounreay facility in Caithness, this far sighted research commissioned by the NDA provides valuable evidence to aid decision makers and the wider community in understanding the complexities of the energy transition, highlighting opportunities for employment, economic diversification and societal impacts.”
    Heather Barton NDA said: “It has been great to engage with another area of the University of Aberdeen, the Just Transition Lab, through our partnership with the NDC. A real strength of working with the NDC is that there are numerous areas where we can collaborate to achieve our goals of decommissioning the UK’s nuclear sites safely, securely, sustainably and cost effectively. This study will help inform politicians and policy makers on key economic development opportunities and enable discussions around support for communities including skills and training.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How proposed changes to higher education accreditation could impact campus diversity efforts

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jimmy Aguilar, PhD Candidate in Urban Education Policy, University of Southern California

    An executive order seeks to remove ‘discriminatory ideology’ in universities. Critics contend it politicizes the accreditation process. Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez via Getty Images

    President Donald Trump on April 23, 2025, signed an executive order that aims to change the higher education accreditation process. It asks accrediting agencies to root out “discriminatory ideology” and roll back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on college campuses.

    The Conversation asked Jimmy Aguilar, who studies higher education at the University of Southern California, to explain what accreditation is, why it matters and how the Trump order seeks to change it.

    What is accreditation and how does it work?

    Accreditation is a process that evaluates whether colleges and universities meet standards of academic rigor, institutional integrity and financial stability.

    In the United States, there were 88 accrediting agencies during the 2022-23 school academic year.

    The agencies are formally recognized by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

    Accreditation is not a one-time stamp of approval, but a continuous process.

    At its core, accreditation is a guarantor of quality in higher education.

    The process involves self-assessment and peer review visits.

    Colleges typically undergo a full review every five to 10 years, depending on the accrediting agency.

    Institutions must meet standards for curriculum, faculty, student services and outcomes, and provide documentation.

    Then, federally recognized accrediting agencies review the documentation.

    Teams, often comprised of peer reviewers from other colleges, conduct campus visits and evaluations before granting or reviewing accreditation.

    Why do universities need to be accredited?

    Accreditation assures students, employers and the public that an institution meets basic academic standards.

    It also signals credibility and secures federal financial support.

    Without it, colleges cannot access key funding sources such as Pell Grants and federal student loans.

    The funding is essential for college budgets and students’ access to higher education.

    Accreditation is also required for professional licensure in fields such as teaching, nursing, medicine and law.

    It also helps ensure that students can transfer credits between institutions.

    What does Trump’s executive order do?

    President Donald Trump displays a signed executive order in the Oval Office at the White House on April 23, 2025, in Washington.
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

    The executive order would reshape the college accreditation system, aligning it with the administration’s political priorities. Those priorities include the rollback of DEI initiatives.

    The order seeks to use federal oversight to weaken institutional DEI policies and priorities. It also promotes new standards aligned with the administration’s interpretation of “merit-based” education.

    The executive order also directs the Department of Education to penalize agencies that require colleges to implement DEI-related standards.

    The Trump administration claims that such standards amount to “unlawful discrimination.”

    Penalties may include increased oversight or loss of federal recognition. This would render the accreditation seal meaningless, according to the executive order.

    The order also proposes a broad overhaul of the accreditation process, including:

    • Promoting “intellectual diversity” in faculty hiring. The executive order argues that promoting a broader range of viewpoints among faculty will enhance academic freedom. Critics often interpret this language as an effort to increase conservative ideological representation.

    • Streamlining the process for institutions to switch accreditors. During Trump’s first term, his administration removed geographic restrictions, giving colleges more flexibility to choose. The new executive order goes further. It makes it easier for schools to leave agencies whose standards they disagree with.

    • Expanding recognition of new accrediting agencies to increase competition.

    • Linking accreditation more directly to student outcomes. This would shift focus to metrics such as graduation rates and earnings, rather than commitments to diversity or equity.

    A 2023 Supreme Court ruling that outlawed affirmative action in university admissions has been a point of contention in the debate over diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.
    Joe Daniel Price/Getty Images

    The executive order singles out accreditors for law schools, such as the American Bar Association, and for medical schools, such as the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.

    The order accuses them of enforcing DEI standards that conflict with a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that outlawed affirmative action in university admissions.

    However, the ruling was limited to race-conscious admissions. It did not directly address faculty hiring or accreditation standards.

    That raises questions about whether the order’s interpretation extends beyond the scope of the court’s decision.

    The ruling has nonetheless been a point of contention in the debate over diversity, equity and inclusion.

    The American Association of University Professors and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law have denounced the executive order.

    The groups argue that it threatens to politicize accreditation and suppress efforts to promote equity and inclusion.

    Nevertheless, the order represents a push by the federal government to influence higher education governance.

    Jimmy Aguilar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How proposed changes to higher education accreditation could impact campus diversity efforts – https://theconversation.com/how-proposed-changes-to-higher-education-accreditation-could-impact-campus-diversity-efforts-255309

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Grit’ and relentless perseverance can take a toll on brain health − particularly for people facing social stresses like racism

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Darlingtina Esiaka, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky

    Persistence without rest may tax brain health. ljubaphoto/E+ via Getty Images

    For many people, grit – the perseverance and passion for long-term goals – is a virtue. It is also a key ingredient in overcoming challenges, achieving success and maintaining resilience.

    Studies have linked grit with success in goal attainment, improved psychological well-being and increased life satisfaction.

    But despite conventional narratives equating this type of psychological persistence with well-being, brain research is beginning to show that mustering grit in the face of adversity may also have some unexpected detrimental effects – particularly for communities that are already under chronic stress.

    As a behavioral scientist studying Alzheimer’s disease and brain health in Black communities, I use techniques such as brain activity monitoring to examine risk factors and early signs of cognitive decline. My research along with other work is beginning to uncover that pushing through can create a level of stress that actually taxes brain health.

    The paradox of grit, active coping and brain health

    Grit has become a central idea in psychology. Researchers have mainly focused on its positive features, describing it as a quality that helps people work hard, stay strong during tough times and keep trying even when things are difficult. Active coping is a similar concept defined as addressing problems directly and actively seeking solutions. Studies have linked it to lower stress, better health and feeling more in control.

    Traits such as grit and active coping are strategies used to manage stress, and they are traditionally seen as protective factors for well-being.

    But perseverance may also come with risks that can contribute to poor brain health outcomes. Consider the concept of John Henryism, developed by an epidemiologist named Sherman James in the 1970s.

    John Henryism is a coping strategy characterized by persistent, high-effort striving in response to chronic stressors, particularly among marginalized groups. It is named after the legendary African American folk hero John Henry, who worked himself to death in a contest against a steam-powered drill. In the folk tale, John Henry exemplifies how people may engage in prolonged, high-effort coping, often at the expense of their health. James used the folklore to symbolize the relentless effort to overcome structural and systemic barriers.

    For example, imagine someone in their early 40s who works two physically demanding jobs to support their family and prevent homelessness. They believe relentless effort is the only path to stability, despite experiencing chronic fatigue and pain. Over time, this sustained strain may lead to high blood pressure, stroke and depression – all of which have been linked to cognitive decline.

    This statue of John Henry stands in Talcott, W.Va., above the Big Bend Tunnel on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Many people believe the events described in the folktale took place here.
    Ken Thomas via Wikimedia Commons

    John Henryism has been linked to negative health outcomes, including increased risks of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and early mortality. It has also been linked to the risk of poor brain health.

    Perseverance and the risk of cognitive impairment

    My colleagues’ and my recent work supports the idea that high-effort coping such as grit can contribute to neurocognitive wear and tear. Being constantly under stress can essentially overwork certain parts of the brain. This damage can build up to make it harder for the brain to learn new things, remember information and stay sharp as a person gets older.

    In our study published in January 2025, we asked 158 Black men living in the U.S. to participate in an online survey. The survey measured grit by asking how much participants agreed with statements like “I finish whatever I begin.” It also asked participants to report how often they experienced episodes of memory loss and confusion and to rank whether these episodes were becoming more frequent.

    We found that men with higher levels of grit reported greater cognitive difficulties such as trouble concentrating, forgetfulness and feeling mentally fatigued, despite their strong motivation to persevere. While our study couldn’t determine whether grit causes these difficulties, it raises important questions about whether sustained, high-effort coping might come at a cognitive cost over time.

    A concept called allostatic load provides one possible explanation for the link between perseverance and the cognitive decline we observed in our study. Allostatic load is the wear and tear on the body that builds up over time due to dealing with stress.

    I believe individuals who push through adversity against all odds may experience allostatic load more acutely. Their persistent coping could intensify physiological strain over time, contributing to earlier onset of cognitive decline. This explanation aligns with previous work, which has shown that prolonged exposure to stress can accelerate cognitive decline and negatively affect memory and executive function.

    Facing frequent stressors such as racism, discrimination, economic challenges and limited access to health care with intense levels of perseverance may encourage people to push through these challenges without adequate recovery. That can cause chronic stress that damages brain health.

    Continuously exerting mental and emotional effort without relief may also result in cognitive overload and diminish people’s ability to sustain mental resilience. This burden accelerates brain aging and increases the risk of cognitive decline.

    Unlike the occasional stress of meeting a deadline or completing a difficult project, this type of overexertion is more like waking up every day already exhausted, yet pushing through multiple jobs, financial worries and family responsibilities with little rest or support. Over time, this constant mental strain may wear down the brain’s ability to recover and maintain clarity, even when the person appears outwardly resilient.

    Rethinking perseverance

    Researchers are beginning to build a more nuanced understanding of perseverance that challenges the conventional wisdom that it is always beneficial. This perspective also redefines the notion of strength in the face of adversity.

    In this more realistic definition, perseverance can include self-care and rest. Knowing when to take a break or prioritize self-care is a practical strategy for maintaining cognitive health in the face of challenges.

    Also, practices such as meditation, deep breathing and guided relaxation can help regulate stress responses and reduce cognitive strain. And beyond personal resilience, leaning on social support and meaningful connections can be just as crucial for long-term brain health.

    Darlingtina Esiaka receives funding from National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association. She is the founder of Black in Gerontology and Geriatrics Network.

    – ref. ‘Grit’ and relentless perseverance can take a toll on brain health − particularly for people facing social stresses like racism – https://theconversation.com/grit-and-relentless-perseverance-can-take-a-toll-on-brain-health-particularly-for-people-facing-social-stresses-like-racism-251585

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump speaking poorly of other presidents is uncommon, but not unheard of, in American presidential history

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Peter Kastor, Professor of History & American Culture Studies, Washington University in St. Louis

    While most former presidents do not speak out about their successors after they leave the White House, Donald Trump is not the first president to criticize his former political opponents while in office. Trigger Photo/Getty Images Plus

    Former presidents don’t criticize their successors in public.

    Or do they?

    Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden have all criticized President Donald Trump in recent months.

    In April 2025, Obama, for example, spoke about the importance of preserving the international order, meaning the system of rules, norms and institutions that have been active since World War II. He said: “And this is an important moment, because in the last two months, we have seen a U.S. government actively try to destroy that order and discredit it. And the thinking, I gather, is that somehow, since we are the strongest, we’re going to be better off if we can just bully people into doing whatever we want.”

    Biden also offered his own negative comments on April 15: “In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage,” he said in his first public remarks since leaving office.

    Some commentators have called these former presidents’ remarks “unprecedented.”

    Many Americans are accustomed to former presidents not speaking about – let alone criticizing – the current president.

    As a scholar of the presidency, I know that most presidents stay quiet about their successors, regardless of what the current president does or says. They do this to avoid undermining both their own reputations as well as the stability of the presidency itself.

    But I am also struck by the fact that this tradition is not as entrenched as former presidents might claim or as many Americans believe.

    President Jimmy Carter and his Republican challenger, Ronald Reagan, shake hands as they meet on a debate stage in 1980.
    Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

    Presidents who bucked the norm

    President George Washington established the precedent that presidents retire after two terms and steer clear of public statement. John Quincy Adams, the sixth U.S. president, established a different model.

    After Adams lost his bid for reelection in 1828 to Andrew Jackson, he served in the House of Representatives from 1831 through 1848. Congress is an unusual perch for a former president, but it’s a place where criticizing sitting presidents and their policies is part of the job. Adams had plenty of criticism there for his successors, including Jackson and James K. Polk.

    Nearly half a century later, President Teddy Roosevelt was disappointed that his hand-picked successor, William Howard Taft, failed to live up to Roosevelt’s vision of reform. Roosevelt went from criticizing Taft privately in political circles to campaigning against him publicly in 1912, aiming to win a nonconsecutive second term. Democrat Woodrow Wilson eventually won that election, beating out Taft and Roosevelt.

    Richard Nixon, who, in 1974, became the only president to resign from office, wrote a series of books in the 1980s and 1990s that sought to redeem his own sullied image by casting himself as a visionary statesman. Nixon’s books also included plenty of unsolicited advice – and implicit criticism – for Democratic and Republican presidents alike.

    Before becoming the beloved elder statesman of the former presidents club in 1980, Jimmy Carter earned the ire of his successors for his outspokenness. He said that President Ronald Reagan’s administration was an “aberration on the political scene” and said that one of Clinton’s political pardons was “disgraceful.”

    With the exception of Roosevelt, these former presidents who criticized their successors all felt they had something to prove. Anxious to redeem their legacies, they did not retire quietly.

    A healthy foray into retirement

    So why don’t we all know these stories, and instead believe that past presidents simply keep their mouths shut?

    Americans have long treated presidential retirement as a symbol of a healthy democracy. And that story of retirement emphasizes how former presidents often leave politics behind them.

    The trajectory of presidents finding peace and contentment in retirement, surrounded by friends and family, is an appealing way for presidential biographers to end a story. These stories have included narratives about Harry Truman taking a cross-country road trip only months after leaving the White House in 1953, and George W. Bush taking up painting.

    In reality, former presidents have led complex lives of happiness and loss, withdrawal and engagement. The energy and ambition that brought them to the White House often make retirement difficult. And, over the long history of the presidency, former presidents have become increasingly public figures.

    Former Presidents Bill Clinton, left, George W. Bush and Barack Obama are seen with Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush at the inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington.
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    A shifting role

    Another important factor in the growing prominence of former presidents is how their roles have recently changed.

    Beginning in the 1990s, former presidents and first ladies tried to publicly show friendship and agreement with their counterparts.

    George H.W. Bush and Clinton, for example, teamed up to raise money for disaster relief after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in South and Southeast Asia. In 2017, Bush’s son George W. Bush, himself a former president by that time, called Clinton his “brother with a different mother.”

    Former first lady Michelle Obama and Barack Obama have publicly thanked George W. Bush and Laura Bush for helping their family adjust to life in the White House. Michelle Obama has also become known for her personal friendship with George W. Bush.

    And as medical advances enabled former presidents to live longer than ever, the relationships within a growing former presidents club became the subject of books, movies and television segments.

    All of these stories had the same message – that all presidents are committed to their country. Likewise, the amiable relationship between former and sitting presidents shows that if party leaders could overcome partisanship in the name of unity and friendship, so too could other Americans.

    In a remarkable moment, for example, three presidents from two different parties – Clinton, George W. Bush and Obama – came together for a video before Biden’s 2021 inauguration to call for unity in a moment of crisis.

    Following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, they used their connection as presidents to tell a national story. As Bush said, “Well, I think the fact that the three of us are standing here talking about a peaceful transfer of power speaks to the institutional integrity of our country.”

    “America’s a generous country, people of great hearts. All three of us were lucky to be the president of this country,” Bush continued.

    The Republican former president looked at the Democrats on either side of him and smiled.

    Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton speak together in 2021.

    A new kind of presidential relations

    While friendships between presidents became more common in the 1990s and 2000s, Clinton and especially Trump were doing something different by the 2016 election.

    In 2016, Clinton became an active partisan in support of his wife, Hillary Clinton, during her unsuccessful bid for president.

    Both Clintons remained public critics of Trump long after he assumed office in 2017.

    For his part, Trump as a politician and then president immediately dismissed the notion of friendship with his predecessors and former competitors. He was quick to condemn Hillary Clinton – and especially Obama – in the early years of his first presidency.

    No sooner did Trump lose the 2020 election than he was heaping public scorn on Biden with an energy that only increased after Trump entered the 2024 race.

    Trump’s criticism of Biden did not stop after his 2024 victory, with the White House issuing statements like a pledge “to turn back the economic plague unleashed by the Biden Administration.”

    Trump has escalated attacks on other presidents. But he was not the first to criticize his successors or predecessors.

    Peter Kastor does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump speaking poorly of other presidents is uncommon, but not unheard of, in American presidential history – https://theconversation.com/trump-speaking-poorly-of-other-presidents-is-uncommon-but-not-unheard-of-in-american-presidential-history-255568

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: FDR united Democrats under the banner of ‘liberalism’ − but today’s Democratic Party has nothing to put on its hat

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Kevin M. Schultz, Professor of History, University of Illinois Chicago

    President Franklin D. Roosevelt, left, popularized the term ‘liberal’; President Lyndon Johnson may have caused its demise. FDR: AFP/Getty; LBJ: Bettmann/Getty

    If Donald Trump has taught Americans anything, it’s that political parties can shift positions on any number of issues and retain strong support. Republicans had once been aggressive Cold Warriors, standing shoulder to shoulder with allies against Russia, but now they are isolationists. They once favored so-called “free markets,” but now they support tariffs. And they once supported cutting budget deficits, but now they balloon those deficits with tax cuts.

    Same party, different policies.

    This accords with recent scholarship showing that American political parties don’t have much ideological coherence around concepts such as “freedom” or “equality” but instead are more like social groups with strong communal bonds such as common sympathies and common enemies.

    It turns out that political parties are mostly just people rooting for their side, the way you might support a sports team. It doesn’t matter whether your team changes tactics. You still root for them.

    People do switch allegiances, but it often takes a traumatic event to stop seeing fellow partisans as good, reasonable people.

    Republicans right now have strong tribal belonging that begins and ends with a single question: Do you support President Trump? They have a banner to march under: MAGA. And a song: “God Bless the U.S.A.” They live, laugh and love to own the libs. Their signs and symbols are simple and amusing. And they are effective.

    The Democrats have nothing. No leader, no banner to march under, no signs and no symbols.

    They used to.

    In 1960, scholar Charles Frankel dived into the meaning of the politically important word ‘liberal’ in a commentary for The New York Times.
    New York Times archive

    The liberal past

    In the past, Democrats had a word to describe their sensibility: “liberal.” But now: RIP, liberal. No one, it seems, wants to be a liberal anymore.

    In my research on uses and abuses of the word liberal, I discovered that liberalism is a relatively new word in American politics, really starting only in 1932.

    That year, presidential candidate Franklin D. Roosevelt was searching for a way to fend off Republican accusations that his New Deal was “socialism,” a word with radical connotations.

    Liberalism as a word predates FDR’s usage, but he redefined it to signify the government regulation of capitalism and the use of the state to provide citizens with basic economic security.

    When in 1932 FDR accepted the nomination for president, he declared the Democratic Party “the bearer of liberalism,” by which he meant undertaking “planned action” while fighting for “the greatest good to the greatest number of our citizens.”

    FDR pitted his liberalism against his opponents, whom he labeled “conservatives.” The U.S. has had the liberal-conservative divide ever since.

    FDR’s successor, Democrat Harry Truman, recognized the power of the term, extravagantly claiming, “The liberal faith is the political faith of the great majority of Americans.”

    President John F. Kennedy gloried in the word, too, defining a liberal as “someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people.”

    In 1960, philosopher Charles Frankel argued that liberalism as defined by FDR was a banner under which every Democrat marched, concluding that “anyone who today identifies himself as an unmitigated opponent of liberalism … cannot aspire to influence on the national political scene.”

    Shifting meanings

    Not for long.

    For one thing, in the 1950s the word shifted meaning to better accord with the times, as it had done several times in the past. During the post-World War II economic expansion, “a large part of the New Deal public,” historian Richard Hofstadter wrote in 1954, “have become home-owners, suburbanites and solid citizens.”

    Liberals therefore shifted liberalism. No longer were liberals solely about providing jobs and Social Security. They also demanded increased access to higher education, medical care and civil rights, and the elevation of popular culture.

    In 1956, future presidential adviser Arthur Schlesinger Jr. called this shift one from “quantitative” to “qualitative liberalism.”

    President Lyndon Johnson put this into effect in the mid-1960s. Johnson developed anti-poverty programs such as Head Start, but he also created cultural programs such as PBS, expanded civil rights and passed Medicare and Medicaid.

    “We are a great and liberal and progressive democracy,” Johnson declared in 1966.

    But Johnson’s qualitative liberalism came with costs. The programs expanded the federal bureaucracy, which by the late 1960s became noted for being ineffective and overly regulatory.

    Civil rights laws were perceived as threatening to the white working class. And Johnson’s liberalism became wedded to the war in Vietnam, where by 1969 more than 500,000 Americans were fighting to protect liberalism from the supposedly creeping arms of communism.

    Soon, the knives were out for liberals.

    3 lines of attack

    First, right-wing thinkers had already begun to portray liberals as little more than quasi-communists pushing for civil rights beyond most Americans’ desires.

    In 1955, conservative impresario William F. Buckley Jr. founded the magazine National Review to create “a responsible dissent from the Liberal orthodoxy.” He titled his 1959 book “Up from Liberalism” and spent 217 of the book’s 229 pages attacking liberals.

    Then leftist thinkers took their shot, imagining liberals as little more than beards for capitalism and foreign policy hawks.

    Left-wing novelist Norman Mailer summed up this sentiment in 1962, writing, “I don’t care if people call me a radical, a rebel, a red, a revolutionary, an outsider, an outlaw, a Bolshevik, an anarchist, a nihilist or even a left conservative, but please don’t ever call me a liberal.”

    Left-wing author Norman Mailer said in 1962 that people could call him a Bolshevik, an anarchist, a nihilist, ‘but please don’t ever call me a liberal.’
    Fred Stein Archive/Archive Photos/Getty Images

    Civil rights advocates took their turn, seeing liberals as halfway friends, unwilling to fully embrace equality. Historian Lerone Bennett Jr. wished liberals “a fond farewell” in 1964. In that same year, writer James Baldwin called white liberals an “affliction.”

    With attacks coming from multiple sides, by the 1970s Democrats ran from the label. And without defenders, enemies redefined liberals, first as out-of-touch elitists, then as allies of corporations ignoring the demands of working people, and eventually, today, as woke snowflakes.

    In 2009, political scientists examining a hundred years of polling data found that, starting in the mid-1960s, decreasing numbers of Americans referred to themselves as liberal. And because partisanship is a social dynamic, when the club began to shrink, the researchers wrote, it turned into “a spiral in which ‘liberal’ not only is unpopular, but becomes ever more so.”

    The researchers also found that most Americans still supported “‘liberal’ public policies” such as “redistribution, intervention in the economy, and aggressive governmental action to solve social problems.” Americans, apparently, just hated the label.

    “Owning the libs” has been the glue keeping together the Republican Party ever since.

    From ‘abundance’ to ‘Waymo’

    Democrats are now searching for a new label. What can replace liberalism?

    New York Times columnist Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, who writes for The Atlantic, have proposed “abundance liberalism.” Other New York Times writers have also been busy envisioning this future. Reporter and editor David Leonhardt suggested “democratic capitalism.” Columnist Thomas Friedman improbably went with “Waymo Democrat,” referring to self-driving Waymo cars as a placeholder for an embrace of technological innovation.

    More realistically, political analyst E.J. Dionne and historian James Kloppenberg are writing a history of “social democracy” as a potential rallying cry for Democrats, pointing to its use by the most popular politician in America, Bernie Sanders.

    Whatever emerges, it’s helpful to remember that before 1932, hardly anyone in the U.S. used the word “liberal” to describe any kind of politics. Now, without finding a new emblem to rally behind, Democrats may be doing little more than battling that other neologism: MAGA.

    Kevin M. Schultz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. FDR united Democrats under the banner of ‘liberalism’ − but today’s Democratic Party has nothing to put on its hat – https://theconversation.com/fdr-united-democrats-under-the-banner-of-liberalism-but-todays-democratic-party-has-nothing-to-put-on-its-hat-255362

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s inbound consumption rises on back of eased tax refund processes

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China witnessed a vibrant surge in inbound tourist consumption during the recent May Day holiday as more foreign visitors flocked to Chinese attractions and left with full shopping bags, driven by the country’s recently optimized tax refund policies.

    Central bank data has revealed that the number of transactions made by inbound visitors and processed through card payment giant China UnionPay or NetsUnion Clearing Corporation, a Chinese online payment clearing house, increased nearly 245 percent over the five-day holiday that ended on Monday, with the total transaction value up over 128 percent year on year.

    On mobile platforms, popular Chinese payment app Alipay reported a 180 percent rise in inbound tourist spending between May 1 and 3, while WeChat Pay recorded nearly tripled foreign user transaction volume and value figures in China compared to the same period last year.

    This rise in inbound consumption is the fruit of China’s latest push to encourage foreign tourist spending. In late April, the country introduced a package of measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy, including lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, raising the cash refund ceiling, expanding the network of participating stores, and widening the range of products available.

    Overseas travelers in China can now claim a tax refund if they spend at least 200 yuan (about 27.75 U.S. dollars) at a single store in a single day and meet other relevant requirements, with refunds available in multiple forms, including mobile, bank and cash payments. The upper limit for cash refunds has been raised to 20,000 yuan.

    China’s metropolises led the shopping surge. From May 1 to 5, Beijing welcomed some 104,000 inbound tourists — up 42.4 percent year on year — whose spending saw a 48 percent year-on-year increase.

    In Shanghai, tax-refund-on-departure sales jumped 120 percent in value during the holiday, and the amount of tax refunded increased 130 percent. So far, 1,013 enterprises have registered for departure tax refund services, covering more than 3,300 branded stores.

    China’s streamlined tax refund process has also had an impact on figures. Right before this year’s May Day holiday, taxation authorities in Shanghai introduced self-service machines that allow foreign shoppers to submit most of their transaction details for their tax refund applications by scanning their passport and receipts.

    In the southwestern city of Chengdu, a refund-upon-purchase service which allows eligible tourists to receive tax refunds instantly at retail outlets rather than waiting until they leave the country, has benefited many foreign tourists during the holiday.

    “It’s so convenient, and I’m planning to buy more,” said a tourist from Singapore who received a refund of over 4,000 yuan when he bought two pieces of luggage at Chengdu IFS, one of the biggest shopping malls in the city.

    “Providing overseas travelers with a greater variety of shopping options and more convenient tax refund services will stimulate inbound consumption and support China’s high-standard opening-up and economic growth,” said Chen Binkai, vice president of the Central University of Finance and Economics.

    China introduced its departure tax refund policy for overseas travelers in 2015. Inbound tourist spending has increased over the years as China opens wider to global visitors by facilitating visas, payments and accommodation.

    The country now grants unilateral visa-free entry to people from 38 countries, and has extended its visa-free transit period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. About 380,000 foreigners entered China under these arrangements during the May Day holiday, a year-on-year increase of 72.7 percent.

    China is also accelerating its development of international consumption center cities to stimulate inbound spending further. The country is working to transform five cities — Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing — into major shopping centers.

    In 2024, the number of inbound foreign travelers to the five cities doubled compared to the previous year. Together, they now account for nearly 70 percent of the country’s departure tax refund stores and more than half of imported consumer goods.

    “China’s inbound consumption holds great growth potential,” said Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping, noting that last year, spending by overseas visitors contributed about 0.5 percent of the country’s GDP, compared to 1 to 3 percent in major economies. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Opening Remarks at the SEC Town Hall

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Thank you very much for coming to our first “town hall” meeting together. To those of you here with me at our headquarters in Washington, it is so great to see you. And, let me add an especial welcome to you who are joining from our regional offices around the country.

    I am pleased that we can meet today to discuss the SEC; our important mission on behalf of our fellow citizens, investors, and taxpayers; as well as some of my priorities as your new Chairman.

    First and foremost, I take great pride in saying that it is a new day here at the SEC. We are returning to our core mission that Congress set for us. All of us can recite the familiar three-part mission enunciated by Congress in the Exchange Act:  protecting investors; furthering capital formation; and safeguarding fair, orderly, and efficient markets. We see these phrases on our website, on the walls of this building, in our public pronouncements. They are at the core of what brings us to work every day.

    Investor protection is the cornerstone of our mission—to hold accountable those who lie, cheat, and steal. Capital formation is at the root of what we do. Otherwise, why have the financial markets? Capital formation—building a direct, economical route for investors’ capital to find its way to entrepreneurs and industry that put capital to work to create products and services that people value and willingly pay for, because these products and services make their lives some combination of better, healthier, safer, longer, more fun. This engine of growth employs people, helping them to work and save to achieve their dreams. It is responsible for lifting them out of the poverty that unfortunately has been the traditional state of humanity for millennia.

    We should not overlook the part about fair, orderly, and efficient markets. Congress calls on us to ensure that our regulations balance costs and benefits, that they do not become too burdensome that they add needless friction to the marketplace, undermining the capital formation that yields so much benefit.

    But, what if the SEC’s leadership has directed the agency, which oversees and is responsible for the markets, to lose its own fairness, orderliness, and efficiency? Does that undermine the markets’ own approach if their policeman comports itself with inconsistent values? Predictability, due process, rule of law, integrity are all part of what create respect and project a sense that one can get a fair shake without vindictiveness or ulterior motives.

    Unfortunately, in the last four years until January, the SEC’s long-held reputation has suffered in that vein.

    Two weeks ago today, I was sworn in by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent in the Oval Office with President Trump; my family was by my side. It was an optimistic moment in the Oval.

    I am honored by the trust and confidence that the President and the Senate placed in me to lead the SEC.

    There are so many people to whom I am thankful for helping make my appointment by President Trump even possible.

    As you know by now, I was a Commissioner from 2002 to 2008, after serving on the staff of two chairmen – Richard Breeden and Arthur Levitt. My time in public service and the private sector, both earlier in my career and more recently, have allowed me to see firsthand how regulations affect markets and investors. They can stoke innovation, facilitate investment goals, and create opportunities—or burdens—on businesses’ ability to compete and serve their customers.

    So, how we implement regulations at the SEC is crucial; it is one thing to write a regulation, quite another for it to achieve its intended goal. Regulation ideally should be smart, effective, and appropriately tailored within the confines of our statutory authority.

    It takes market experience and focused application to ensure that customers and investors of financial services firms benefit from efficient, effective, and well-designed regulation. Our goal at the SEC should be to facilitate those efforts, analyze their effectiveness, and use our enforcement power to cure and rectify wayward actions.

    In short, clear rules of the road benefit all market participants.

    Returning to this agency has been a pleasure. I have very much enjoyed seeing all the friendly faces, meeting with staff, and reconnecting with many colleagues I remember from years ago.

    I know from my own experience that the SEC’s longstanding reputation for its dedicated and highly skilled professionals is justly deserved. Your knowledge and expertise continue to impress me. I want you to know that I value and appreciate you.

    It is a high calling to work every day to protect investors, facilitate capital formation, and maintain, fair, orderly, and efficient markets. Thank you for your commitment to our mission.

    I am grateful to Commissioner Uyeda—who once upon a time was my counsel—for his stewardship of the agency from January to April, a very productive three months. Thank you, Commissioner Uyeda.

    As we look ahead, I am confident in the direction of our work. My experience over the decades will naturally inform my approach as Chairman. I told the press—who were peppering me with questions during the last crypto roundtable—that I have a list of priorities as long as my arm that I would like to achieve.

    It should be no surprise that high on that list is a sensible approach toward crypto. From 2017 until my nomination, I worked to help develop best practices for the digital assets industry and saw firsthand how ambiguous or nonexistent regulations in this space created uncertainty and inhibited innovation. That lack of regulatory framework also invites fraud.

    A top priority for me will be to tackle regulatory treatment of digital assets and distributed ledger technologies, providing a firm regulatory foundation through a rational, coherent, principled approach.

    I thank Commissioner Peirce, our own “Crypto Mom,” who is working hard on this issue.  I am proud to say that she also was once upon a time my counsel when I was Commissioner. She is known for her principled and tireless advocacy for common-sense policy. I am confident that she is the right person to lead this effort to come up with a rational regulatory framework for crypto asset markets.

    I am pleased with the efforts of the Crypto Task Force and the three roundtables it has held so far on defining security status, tailoring regulation for crypto trading, and custody considerations. I look forward to the input from industry and additional public feedback we will get during the next two roundtables on the topics of tokenization and decentralized finance.

    This is important work. Entrepreneurs across the United States and around the world are harnessing blockchain technology to modernize aspects of our financial system. I expect huge benefits from this market innovation for efficiency, cost reduction, transparency, and risk mitigation.

    This is a pivotal moment for our economy. Entrepreneurs, businesses, and individuals here at home and across the globe are eager to invest in America.

    We will work together to protect investors from fraud, keep politics out of how our securities laws and regulations are applied, and advance clear rules of the road that encourage investment in our economy to the benefit of all Americans.

    We will work together to ensure that regulations promote capital formation rather than stifle it. We will work together to ensure American investors get disclosures that actually help them understand the true risks of an investment.

    Together, we will make every effort to ensure that the U.S. is the best and most secure place in the world to invest and do business. Americans should always feel utmost confidence when investing their hard-earned dollars to save and provide for their future and the future of their families.

    I cannot say that the current times are not without uncertainty. Many of you have expressed your uncertainty to me. What will the course of the agency be? Will there be further cuts in headcount? Will we maintain regional offices?

    I am in my third week at the SEC—my 10th working day is today. I thank Commissioner Uyeda for his work during the transition time to straighten out some urgent policy issues that we faced in the courts and some organizational issues as the new Administration came into office.

    As we look forward, I am counting on Commissioner Peirce’s continued leadership of the Crypto Task Force. I would like Commissioner Uyeda to be an ambassador to IOSCO since I have enough to focus on at home. I also am happy to say that Commissioner Crenshaw has agreed to take on the SEC’s administrative law framework and procedure in light of the two Supreme Court rulings that in effect oblige us to rethink and reform this area. It is high time that we take that task to heart.

    We have had departures—many of our former colleagues accepted retirement or separation offers. I count many of them as old friends, and I salute their service over many years.  The Offices and Divisions have decreased headcount by 15% since the beginning of the current fiscal year. These departures leave vacancies that in many cases need to be filled. When I left the agency in 2008, we had approximately 3,600 employees. At our height a year ago, we had approximately 5,000 employees plus 2,000 contractors. Today we are at approximately 4,200 employees and 1,700 contractors.

    Tomorrow we will begin a process to review our technology infrastructure and our contractual obligations. This review is long overdue—call it a spring cleaning and reassessment of contracts, especially regarding information technology. We need to see what we have, where our vulnerabilities are, and how we can shore up and improve our systems.

    We will work on optimizing our efficiency. There will be targeted, common-sense reorganization to come. We also have leasing issues to be resolved—notably in Los Angeles and Philadelphia. I am working on those issues and share your concerns. Unfortunately, about 11 years ago, the agency precipitously surrendered to the General Services Administration its control over leasing, which Congress specifically granted the SEC in the Exchange Act. That action puts me in a weaker position today.

    Let me say unequivocally that I firmly believe in our regional office concept. We cannot and should not have everyone in Washington and New York. Risk management, human resource development, and practicality for our examination teams (to focus on one example) provide ample reinforcement for that position.

    I also want to salute our regional teams for their expertise and collaboration across offices to find the best resources to assign to matters. At least one direct experience that I had in the past year in which my firm was an independent compliance consultant indicates that the SEC has advanced quite a bit in this coordination over the past couple of decades. Two of our SEC colleagues from the Miami office with necessary, specific expertise played a key role in uncovering problematic activity of a Philadelphia asset manager by meticulously analyzing trades—going back to the trade blotters—to build a case.

    As I said at the outset of my remarks today, it is a new and brighter day for the SEC.

    I am here to work, with each of you, on behalf of American markets and investors. We will work with our colleagues in the Administration, especially other financial services regulators, notably the CFTC and banking regulators, and, of course, with Congress to bolster the economy and build on U.S. leadership of the global markets.

    Thank you for all that you do each and every day to advance our mission.

    If you are joining us remotely today, thank you for participating. I look forward to interacting with you in person in the near future. For those of you here at headquarters, please join me for some refreshments right outside.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Secrets of the Thames: mudlarking treasures showcase history of London’s river and the people who scour its banks

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Thomas Lucking, PhD Candidate in History, University of East Anglia

    Twice a day, every day, the tides of the River Thames rise and fall, revealing a foreshore that, in the middle of London, has been a focus of human activity for millennia.

    Making use of the limited windows of time in which the riverbank is exposed, devoted hobbyists known as mudlarks scour the river’s edge for historic and interesting finds. The mudlarks, through their dedication, have assembled impressive collections of objects, each of which adds yet another small piece of London’s history to the archaeological record.

    Secrets of the Thames, a new exhibition at the London Museum Docklands presents an insight into the fascinating world of mudlarking. It draws together more than 350 finds recovered from the river alongside the stories, insights and experiences of the mudlarks themselves.

    The result is an engaging exhibition that makes use of the objects on display to tell the story of the Thames and London through time, and the people who search for them, giving the visitor an all-round insight that goes beyond being a room of objects in cases.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    The objects on display are more than simply a group of interesting items – although there are certainly plenty of objects that require time and attention to fully appreciate.

    They are also a record of the ways the Thames has been used and viewed over the years. And together, they tell the story of the mudlarks that put the hours into finding these objects. For those who wish to see a variety of the more ancient objects from London, this exhibition tides things over until the London Museum Smithfield opens in 2026.

    The beginning of the exhibition explores the history of mudlarks on the Thames. The term was coined in the late 18th and 19th centuries to refer to the poor who scavenged for objects such as scrap metal and coal.

    Historic accounts, paintings and other objects provide glimpses into this time, including descriptions of some of these early mudlarks. Their stories and motivations for being on the Thames contrast sharply with the mudlarks of today. Those early mudlarks were effectively scavenging to survive. But over time an appreciation of the number of historic objects revealed by the tides saw mudlarking evolve into a hobby for those who wanted to search for small pieces of the city’s history.

    Today, a permit is needed to mudlark on the Thames, provided by the Port of London Authority (PLA).

    The changing ways the Thames has been used and viewed over time is revealed in the next space. Displays are arranged to showcase objects exploring different themes, including the river as a place of religious significance, a place of travel and trade and a place to dispose of the countless tons of rubbish generated by the inhabitants of London down the centuries.

    Indeed, the cases themselves sit within a reconstructed foreshore having seemingly been washed across the room by the tidal waters, complete with historic and not-so-historic objects emerging from the mud. The objects on display cover a wide timescale, from prehistoric flint tools through to modern religious offerings, all of which have been pulled from the mud of the Thames.

    Modern mudlarks

    It is in the next space that the modern mudlarks themselves are brought into sharper focus. A mock-up of someone’s home display, complete with drawers filled with a range of objects, hints at the dedication and organisation required for these searchers.

    Video interviews with mudlarks are played, explaining the enjoyment they take from their wanderings on the river. Alongside is a display explaining the role of the Portable Antiquities Scheme in recording the objects, preserving the information and context of where they were found. Each object adds a piece to the archaeological jigsaw.

    Underlying all of this is the tidal nature of the Thames, which both continually turns the foreshore and allows access for the mudlarks. A large model of the moon provides a space to sit and reflect at the end of the exhibition. A further small room shows a video of mudlarking on the Thames, allowing visitors to immerse themselves into the sight and sounds of the river. It offers an understanding of why people are drawn to its banks.

    The overall impression of the exhibition is a mixture of appreciation for the variety of objects that have been recovered from the river, with every aspect of human life represented.

    The thematic approach taken to displaying many of the objects brings the shared habits and customs of human life down the centuries to the fore. In objects such as the Roman jewellery, we see items that would look perfectly at home being worn by anyone walking the banks of the Thames today.

    The modern human connection with the river is also clear to see through the mudlarks, whose dedication gives them a unique perspective on what may at first glance appear to be a muddy riverbank, but through their searching, reveals a far richer and deeper history.

    Secrets of the Thames is at the London Museum Docklands until March 1 2026.

    Thomas Lucking is an AHRC-funded PhD researcher.

    – ref. Secrets of the Thames: mudlarking treasures showcase history of London’s river and the people who scour its banks – https://theconversation.com/secrets-of-the-thames-mudlarking-treasures-showcase-history-of-londons-river-and-the-people-who-scour-its-banks-256006

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why loneliness should be treated as a social issue

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kathryn Bates, Research Fellow, Psychology, King’s College London

    Stock Unit/Shutterstock

    Anyone who has experienced loneliness knows how deeply personal it feels. We feel lonely when our social and emotional needs aren’t being met. Because of this, psychological research often focuses on individual-level solutions, encouraging people to change their perceptions or behaviour through therapy. But this focus misses the heart of the issue: the absence of meaningful connection with others.

    It’s right to be concerned about high rates of loneliness among young people, especially given the negative impact of severe loneliness on physical and mental health. Some argue that technology is to blame and point to increased time spent on phones or social media.

    While studies do show that higher internet use is associated with greater loneliness, the direction of this relationship remains unclear. Are young people lonely because they’re online, or online because they feel lonely?

    The internet is not devoid of social interaction. In fact, studies suggest that young people’s online activities often mirror their offline behaviour, especially when it comes to seeking connection and communicating with friends. This complicates the idea that technology alone is to blame.

    Rather than placing all responsibility on a person suffering from loneliness, we need to look at societal solutions. This doesn’t mean psychological interventions have no value. Therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or social skills training can be effective for some, particularly in cases of severe loneliness.

    But these approaches aren’t universally successful. They’re expensive, require trained professionals and any resulting improvements are often short-lived.

    Societal solutions, by contrast, offer broader and more sustainable impact. These can be thought of in two main ways: creating spaces for meaningful social connection and addressing the root societal conditions that lead to loneliness.

    While loneliness is a subjective experience, social connection is more tangible. It’s reflected in whether we have people we can rely on, whether we feel supported, and the quality of our relationships. In this sense, social connection can be an antidote to loneliness.

    When public spaces shrink, loneliness grows

    But opportunities for connection are shrinking. In the UK, hundreds of millions of pounds have been cut from youth services and half of all youth clubs closed between 2011 and 2021. At the same time, a global cost of living crisis has left many young people – even those in full-time work – with little or no money left at the end of the month.

    Meanwhile, “third spaces” – places outside of home, school, or work where people can connect – are disappearing. Cafes and bars are often too expensive, while public libraries and community spaces are underfunded and closing rapidly. In this context, it’s no surprise that young people are spending more time socialising online: there are simply fewer affordable and accessible places to connect in person.

    Taking a societal approach also means acknowledging the inequalities that shape how loneliness is experienced. We’re not just individuals making isolated choices: we’re part of communities and systems. And, for many, structural issues like marginalisation and discrimination play a role in their experience of loneliness.

    Young people from marginalised backgrounds, including those from lower-income families and those identifying as LGBTQ+, are at significantly higher risk of loneliness. Researchers argue that exclusion and discrimination – not individual deficits – are contributing to this.

    That’s why some are calling for us to understand the causes of loneliness at every level, from personal traits to societal attitudes to the design of neighbourhoods and communities.

    If we want to reduce loneliness in young people, we need to go beyond telling them to seek therapy or use their phones less. We need public investment in spaces that foster connection, and we must address the broader structural issues that make some young people especially vulnerable. Focusing only on the lonely individual won’t be enough, especially for those facing the deepest barriers to belonging.

    Kathryn Bates receives funding from the Economic Social Research Council.

    – ref. Why loneliness should be treated as a social issue – https://theconversation.com/why-loneliness-should-be-treated-as-a-social-issue-252951

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Russia looks to frame war as an inevitable part of life on Victory Day

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jennifer Mathers, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, Aberystwyth University

    Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second world war on May 9. But while the cameras will focus on the assembled ranks of elderly war survivors watching the military parade in Red Square, Moscow, the focus of senior officials is on Russia’s children and young people.

    Patriotism in Vladimir Putin’s Russia is built on exaggerated respect for key moments in the country’s history. These moments have been chosen to create a specific story about Russia. This is a story about Russia’s military might, the ability of its citizens to endure almost unimaginable suffering for the motherland, and the inevitability of victory over its enemies.

    Victory Day gives the Kremlin a chance to retell that story. It also allows the state to assure Russians that they, like their ancestors, will be victorious in the so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine. Moscow describes this war as the modern-day equivalent of the fight against Nazi Germany.

    With fewer witnesses to that historic victory still alive, the Kremlin’s ability to manipulate society by drawing on this important memory depends on the willingness of the next generation to embrace the state’s official history. And Russian political figures are worried that young people nowadays are disconnected from their heritage.

    A poll conducted in December 2022 by the Russian Public Opinion Research Centre found that 76% of Russians aged 14 to 24 believe they have a good understanding of the history of their country. But the results of an alternative poll from June 2023 show that 70% of Russia’s young people do not know enough about their nation’s history.

    Vladimir Medinsky, the chairman of the Interdepartmental Commission of Historical Education of Russia, reflected on the issue at a forum on how to interest young people in Russian history in 2023. He said: “What needs to be done to make our children interested in history? To make interesting historical performances, to make historical films.”

    Russia’s leaders seek to address this perceived disconnect through military patriotic education. This is a system of surrounding children and young people with state-approved messages about Russia’s historic military victories and the role of its armed forces in making their country respected – and feared – around the world.

    These messages are conveyed through textbooks and in lessons at school. But one of the challenges for the Russian state is finding ways of making this material attractive enough for young people to want to engage with it.

    Putin himself has indicated that he understands this challenge. At a meeting with the Russian non-profit society Znaniye (Knowledge) on April 30, the Russian president argued that “it is crucial to have both an opportunity and skills to communicate the truth about past years and decades: sincerely, compellingly and – if I may say so – in a way that truly resonates”.

    Patriotic youth groups are an important vehicle for delivering military patriotic education in fun and exciting ways. These groups organise activities including games and competitions, as well as more immersive activities such as role-playing and re-enactments. These activities are designed to create a deeper engagement with the events of the past.

    One group, Victory Volunteers, emphasises collecting personal accounts from war veterans to add to the historical record. It also actively brings young people and war veterans together so that the heroes of future wars can be inspired by real-life stories of wartime heroism.

    Listening to these first-hand testimonials is intended to enable young people to deepen their understanding of the experience of war, including its hardships and tragedies.

    Yunarmiya (Young Army) is probably Russia’s best-known military patriotic youth group. It works with young people to develop their appreciation of history. But its focus on dressing its members in uniforms and training them in practical military skills has captured the attention of the world’s media.

    These skills include military-style activities such as marching in formation, learning how to assemble and disassemble weapons, and how to fire them.

    The Russian state also supports military patriotic education through the presidential grants fund. Hundreds of charities, youth groups and local societies apply to the fund twice a year, with the winners reportedly chosen by Putin himself.

    Many of the successful applications involve activities to raise young people’s awareness of historical memory, especially the memory of war.

    In 2022, for example, the historical reconstruction club Volnitsa received funding to organise a memorial march “in the footsteps of the winners” to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Bogucharsky region of Russia (near the border with Ukraine) from Nazi occupation.

    The successful application emphasised the emotional intensity of the reenactment and its educational effects on young participants.

    Events like the 80th anniversary of Victory Day have a significance for the Kremlin that goes beyond the speeches, parades and pageantry of the day itself. They are part of an effort by the Russian state to shape the expectations and behaviour of the next generation of its citizens.

    By encouraging young people to feel a personal connection to Russia’s history of war, Moscow hopes to ensure that society will regard war as an inevitable part of life. The scale of this effort suggests that Putin and other senior officials anticipate the need for a society willing to make sacrifices so that Russia can achieve victories in future wars.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Russia looks to frame war as an inevitable part of life on Victory Day – https://theconversation.com/russia-looks-to-frame-war-as-an-inevitable-part-of-life-on-victory-day-255751

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Beeline’s New Affiliate Network to Target 200,000 Realtors and Creators, Accelerate Real Estate Investor Lending

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Providence, RI, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beeline, (NASDAQ: BLNE) a next-generation digital mortgage lender focused on transforming real estate investment financing, today announced the launch of its Realtor and Content Creator Partner Program. The initiative is designed to accelerate origination growth in Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) mortgages—one of the fastest-growing segments in investor lending.

    The program empowers affiliates—including licensed real estate professionals and digital creators—with a custom referral platform to drive DSCR mortgage applications. Each affiliate receives a unique referral link, enabling their network to quote and apply directly through Beeline’s platform.

    DSCR loans are underwritten based on rental income from the property rather than the borrower’s personal income, making them especially attractive to real estate investors and short-term rental operators. Over one-third of Beeline’s current volume consists of DSCR mortgages, supported by proprietary tech and expert Loan Guides who think and act like investors themselves.

    “This program gives forward-thinking realtors and creators a way to plug into our engine—and generate income—by connecting their audiences to a platform that actually performs,” said Nick Liuzza, CEO of Beeline. “We’re not repackaging an old process. We’ve reimagined mortgage lending for today’s investors, and this initiative is a natural extension of our growth strategy.”

    Beeline’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) currently exceeds 80—more than 4x the industry average—underscoring customer trust and satisfaction. Reviews consistently cite Beeline’s speed, transparency, and DSCR expertise as competitive differentiators.

    With this program, Beeline is strategically merging the credibility of licensed real estate agents with the distribution power of modern content creators to unlock scalable, cost-effective growth in a high-margin loan category.

    About Beeline
     Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc. is a trailblazing mortgage fintech transforming the way people access property financing. Through its fully digital, AI-powered platform, Beeline delivers a faster, smarter path to home loans—whether for primary residences or investment properties. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Beeline is reshaping mortgage origination with speed, simplicity, and transparency at its core. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Beeline Holdings and also operates Beeline Labs, its innovation arm focused on next-generation lending solutions.

    Contact:
    ir@makeabeeline.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Micropolis Unveils Advanced Border Control Robots at Airport Show 2025 in Dubai

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Micropolis Holding Co. (“Micropolis” or the “Company”) (NYSE: MCRP), a pioneer in unmanned ground vehicles and AI-driven security solutions, today unveiled new specialized border control versions of its M1 and M2 robotic mobility platforms at the Airport Show 2025, the region’s leading annual event dedicated to the airports industry, being held on May 6-8 in Dubai. These cutting-edge autonomous vehicles were presented to the UAE National Guard as part of a new pilot initiative aimed at enhancing national border protection capabilities.

    Micropolis is working closely with the UAE National Guard, the official entity overseeing border control across the Emirates, to evaluate the deployment of robotic patrol systems designed to operate in high-security zones, including airports and land checkpoints. These robots are equipped with advanced surveillance sensors, AI-driven behavior analysis, and autonomous navigation systems, enabling them to detect, deter, and report potential threats with minimal human intervention.

    “This marks a pivotal milestone in our defense and homeland security initiatives,” said Fareed Aljawhari, CEO of Micropolis Holding Co. “By integrating robotics into border control operations, we are reshaping the future of national security with intelligent, scalable, and fully autonomous technology.”

    Robotic Platform Highlights:

    • M01 – Designed for open road operations with speeds ranging between 40-47 km/h, making it ideal for faster-paced environments and longer-distance travel.
    • M02 – Crafted for more enclosed settings with a speed range of 10 to 15 km/h, making it ideal for safe, low-speed operations in pedestrian-rich areas.

    The launch comes at a time when governments and security agencies worldwide are increasingly turning to AI-powered systems to improve operational efficiency and reduce dependency on manual surveillance. The Airport Show 2025, a globally recognized event for aviation and security technologies, served as the ideal platform for introducing this innovation to key defense and aviation stakeholders.

    Micropolis continues to expand its global footprint in the security, defense, and smart mobility sectors. The Company remains committed to pioneering autonomous technologies that address some of the world’s most pressing security challenges.

    About Micropolis Holding Co.
    Micropolis is a UAE-based company specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), AI systems, and smart infrastructure for urban, security, and industrial applications. The Company’s vertically integrated capabilities cover everything from mechatronics and embedded systems to AI software and high-level autonomy.

    For more information please visit www.micropolis.ai.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “can have”, “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements represent Micropolis’ current expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement filed by the Company with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    Investor Contact:
    KCSA Strategic Communications
    Valter Pinto, Managing Director
    PH: (212) 896-1254
    Valter@KCSA.com

    Media Contact:
    Jessica Starman
    media@elev8newmedia.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2b68b867-8839-45a1-8a1f-273572319218

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Brag House Holdings, Inc. Files Form 10-K and Reaffirms Strategic Vision for Gen Z Engagement Through Gaming

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brag House Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TBH) (“Brag House” or the “Company”), a media-tech company at the intersection of gaming, college sports, and digital brand engagement, today announced the filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

    The Company reaffirmed its confidence in the execution of its strategic plan to redefine digital engagement for casual college gamers and brands seeking to connect with the Gen Z demographic. As outlined in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Brag House continues to develop a first-of-its-kind digital platform where casual college gamers can compete, support their schools, engage in spirited banter, and win prizes in a safe, inclusive environment.

    “We are creating more than a platform—we are building a new sports medium,” said Lavell Juan Malloy II, CEO and Co-Founder of Brag House. “By merging gameplay with school spirit, our student-led tournaments, proprietary Bragging Functionality, and interactive experiences offer Gen Z an entirely new way to engage with college rivalries.”

    The Company highlighted its landmark strategic partnership with Learfield, which launched in April 2025 in collaboration with Florida Gators Athletics. The partnership represents a significant revenue-generating opportunity and marks the first step in a nationwide rollout designed to scale across Learfield’s network of over 200 collegiate institutions.

    The Company reaffirmed its strategic focus by highlighting the launch of a landmark initiative with Florida Gators Athletics and Learfield’s Florida Gators Sports Properties, as announced in its April 28, 2025 press release titled “Brag House, Florida Gators Athletics, and Learfield Announce Strategic Partnership to Create New Digital Sports Medium for Gen Z.” This innovative collaboration introduces a new digital sports medium for Gen Z—merging school spirit, gaming, and live sports into immersive experiences, as detailed below.

    The debut activation, known as the Brag Gator Gauntlet, kicks off in May 2025 at the University of Florida. This flagship series introduces:

    • Live and digital gaming activations aligned with real-world sporting events;
    • NIL-integrated content featuring student-athletes to amplify authenticity and school pride;
    • Branded loyalty tokens and cross-channel sponsorship opportunities across digital and on-campus platforms.

    By uniting Brag House’s gamified platform with Learfield’s nationwide network of collegiate institutions, this initiative redefines how fans and students engage with college sports. It also opens up high-impact, measurable opportunities for brands to reach Gen Z through student-led tournaments, influencer-driven campaigns, and serialized content. The Company believes this model will generate high-ROI advertising opportunities and serve as a foundation for future data-driven insights, enabling brands to engage Gen Z with greater precision, authenticity, and scale.

    “Our development and marketing strategy is laser-focused on high-impact, revenue-producing milestones,” added Malloy. “We are investing strategically in infrastructure while maintaining disciplined cost controls expected of a public company.”

    The Company’s near-term strategic goals include:

    • Scaling Learfield-based activations across multiple universities;
    • Deploying digital rewards through Loyalty Tokens and Bragging Functionality;
    • Advancing key platform technology modules to operational beta;
    • Leveraging proprietary data for brand-focused SaaS revenue generation.

    Brag House remains confident in its long-term growth trajectory and will continue providing shareholders with updates as key milestones are reached.

    About Brag House
    Brag House is a leading media technology gaming platform dedicated to transforming casual college gaming into a vibrant, community-driven experience. By seamlessly merging gaming, social interaction, and cutting-edge technology, the Company provides an inclusive and engaging environment for casual gamers while enabling brands to authentically connect with the influential Gen Z demographic. The platform offers live-streaming capabilities, gamification features, and custom tournament services, fostering meaningful engagement between users and brands. For more information, please visit www.braghouse.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements in this press release, include, but are not limited to statements relating to the ability to generate revenue from strategic partnership with Learfield; the ability to generate any revenue, return on investment, or any specific outcomes related to scheduled or unscheduled activations or immersive experiences; the ability to deliver anticipated platform growth, including through anticipated development roadmap or scalable model; the timeliness of any anticipated beta versions; the ability to generate revenue from anonymized behavioral insights or other proprietary data; the effectiveness of marketing strategies and strategic investments on revenue; the availability or value of any digital rewards and functionality; the feasibility of near-term strategic goals; or the impact on growth of near or long-term trajectories. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “potential,” “continue,” “assumption” or “judgment” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

    Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable when made, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by the Company’s forward-looking statements, which include, but are not limited to: the Company’s history of recurring losses and anticipated expenditures raises substantial doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s loss of or a substantial reduction in activity by one or more of its largest clients, vendors and/or sponsors could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations; the Company’s revenue model may not remain effective, and the Company cannot guarantee that its future monetization strategies will be successfully implemented or generate sustainable revenues and profit; technology changes rapidly in the Company’s business and if it fails to anticipate or successfully implement new technologies or adopt new business strategies, technologies or methods, the quality, timeliness and competitiveness of the Company’s amateur tournaments or competitions may suffer; the Company relies on information technology and other systems and platforms, and any failures, errors, defects or disruptions in the Company’s systems or platforms could diminish its brand and reputation, subject it to liability, disrupt its business, affect its ability to scale its technical infrastructure and adversely affect its operating results and growth prospects..

    Additional factors include those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, including under the captions “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Business,” in the Company’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, including under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Unless required by federal securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated, to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the statements are made.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Adele Carey
    VP, Investor Relations
    ir@thebraghouse.com

    Media Contact:
    Fatema Bhabrawala
    Director of Media Relations
    fbhabrawala@allianceadvisors.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Live Ventures Reports Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Live Ventures Incorporated (Nasdaq: LIVE) (“Live Ventures” or the “Company”), a diversified holding company, today announced financial results for its fiscal second quarter 2025 ended March 31, 2025. 

    Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Key Highlights:

    • Revenue was $107.0 million, compared to $118.6 million in the prior year period
    • Operating income increased $2.9 million to $2.1 million, compared to an operating loss of $0.8 million in the prior year period
    • Successfully negotiated a $19 million reduction on the balance owed under the Flooring Liquidators, Inc. (“Flooring Liquidators”) seller note, which, when including the cancellation of accrued interest and other items, resulted in a $22.8 million net gain for Live Ventures
    • Income before provision for income taxes was $21.1 million, compared to the prior year period loss before benefit from income taxes of $4.5 million. Income before provision for income taxes for the second quarter of 2025 includes the $22.8 million gain as described above
    • Adjusted EBITDA¹ increased $2.0 million to $6.4 million, compared to $4.5 million in the prior year period
    • Repurchased 31,323 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average price of $8.28 per share
    • Total assets of $393.6 million and stockholders’ equity of $88.9 million as of March 31, 2025
    • Approximately $26.6 million of cash and availability under the Company’s credit facilities as of March 31, 2025

    “Continuing the trend from the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, our Retail-Entertainment and Steel Manufacturing segments delivered improved operating performance in the second quarter, with higher operating income and operating margin compared to the same period last year. At the same time, ongoing softness in the new home construction and home refurbishment markets continued to pressure our Retail-Flooring and Flooring Manufacturing segments, where reduced consumer demand impacted performance,” commented David Verret, Chief Financial Officer of Live Ventures.

    “We are pleased with the operational improvements in our Retail-Entertainment and Steel Manufacturing segments during the first half of the year,” stated Jon Isaac, President and Chief Executive Officer of Live Ventures. “In response to our flooring businesses’ industry-specific challenges, we are implementing measures to enhance efficiency. In the second quarter, we initiated large cost-reduction initiatives in the Retail-Flooring segment, which have already resulted in significant savings. We remain focused on operational excellence and are confident in the long-term fundamentals of our businesses.”

     
    Second Quarter FY 2025 Financial Summary (in thousands except per share amounts)
      For the three months ended March 31,
        2025     2024     % Change
    Revenue $ 107,013   $ 118,626     -9.8 %
    Operating income (loss) $ 2,092   $ (838 )   N/A
    Income (loss) before provision for income taxes $ 21,103   $ (4,498 )   N/A
    Net income (loss) $ 15,866   $ (3,281 )   N/A
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 5.05   $ (1.04 )   N/A
    Adjusted EBITDA¹ $ 6,446   $ 4,457     44.6 %
                       

    Revenue decreased approximately $11.6 million, or 9.8%, to approximately $107.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to revenue of approximately $118.6 million in the prior year period. The decrease is attributable to the Retail-Flooring, Flooring Manufacturing, and Steel Manufacturing segments, which decreased by approximately $13.2 million in the aggregate.

    Operating income increased approximately $2.9 million, to approximately $2.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared with an operating loss of approximately $0.8 million in the prior year period. Operating income increased primarily due to lower general and administrative expenses and sales and marketing expenses resulting from cost reduction initiatives at the Retail-Flooring segment and lower general and administrative expenses in the Corporate and Other segment.

    For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, income before provision for income taxes was $21.1 million, compared to the prior year period loss before benefit from income taxes of $4.5 million. The increase in income before provision for income taxes is primarily attributable to a $22.8 million gain on a modification of the Flooring Liquidators seller note.

    Adjusted EBITDA¹ for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $6.4 million, an increase of approximately $2.0 million, or 44.6%, compared to the prior year period Adjusted EBITDA of $4.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased primarily due to lower operating expenses at the Retail-Flooring segment resulting from cost reduction initiatives.

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company had total cash availability of $26.6 million, consisting of cash on hand of $6.9 million and availability under its various lines of credit of $19.7 million.

    Second Quarter FY 2025 Segment Results (in thousands)

      For the three months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Revenue          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 18,467     $ 16,842     9.6 %
    Retail – Flooring   27,399       32,032     -14.5 %
    Flooring Manufacturing   29,820       34,180     -12.8 %
    Steel Manufacturing   31,321       35,488     -11.7 %
    Corporate & Other   6       84     -92.9 %
    Total Revenue $ 107,013     $ 118,626     -9.8 %
               
      For the three months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Operating Income (loss)          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 2,498     $ 1,784     40.0 %
    Retail – Flooring   (2,741 )     (3,023 )   9.3 %
    Flooring Manufacturing   1,483       1,978     -25.0 %
    Steel Manufacturing   2,196       872     151.8 %
    Corporate & Other   (1,344 )     (2,449 )   45.2 %
    Total Operating Income $ 2,092     $ (838 )   N/A
               
      For the three months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Adjusted EBITDA¹          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 2,755     $ 2,153     28.0 %
    Retail – Flooring   (1,778 )     (1,849 )   3.8 %
    Flooring Manufacturing   2,272       2,897     -21.6 %
    Steel Manufacturing   3,742       2,331     60.5 %
    Corporate & Other   (545 )     (1,075 )   49.3 %
    Total Adjusted EBITDA¹ $ 6,446     $ 4,457     44.6 %
               
    Adjusted EBITDA¹ as a percentage of revenue          
    Retail – Entertainment   14.9 %     12.8 %    
    Retail – Flooring   -6.5 %     -5.8 %    
    Flooring Manufacturing   7.6 %     8.5 %    
    Steel Manufacturing   11.9 %     6.6 %    
    Corporate & Other N/A   N/A    
    Total Adjusted EBITDA¹   6.0 %     3.8 %    
    as a percentage of revenue          
               

    Retail – Entertainment

    The Retail-Entertainment segment revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $18.5 million, an increase of approximately $1.6 million, or 9.6%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $16.8 million. Revenue increased primarily due to changes in product mix toward new products, which generally have higher selling prices. Gross margin increased to 59.1% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to 58.4% for the prior year period. The change in product mix contributed to the increase in gross margin. Operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $2.5 million, compared to operating income of approximately $1.8 million for the prior year period.

    Retail – Flooring

    The Retail-Flooring segment revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $27.4 million, a decrease of approximately $4.6 million, or 14.5%, compared to the prior year period revenue of approximately $32.0 million. The decrease in revenue was primarily attributable to the disposition of certain Johnson Floor & Home Carpet One stores in May 2024. Gross margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was 34.4%, compared to 36.5% for the prior year period. The decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by a change in product mix. Operating loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $2.7 million, compared to an operating loss of approximately $3.0 million for the prior year period.

    Flooring Manufacturing

    The Flooring Manufacturing segment revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $29.8 million, a decrease of approximately $4.4 million, or 12.8%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $34.2 million. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to reduced consumer demand, as a result of the ongoing weakness in the housing market and uncertainty about the current economic outlook. Gross margin was 27.5% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to 25.6% for the prior year period. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to changes in product mix. Operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $1.5 million, compared to approximately $2.0 million in the prior year period.

    Steel Manufacturing

    The Steel Manufacturing segment revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $31.3 million, a decrease of approximately $4.2 million, or 11.7%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $35.5 million. The decline was primarily driven by lower sales volumes at certain business units, partially offset by incremental revenue of $3.8 million at Central Steel Fabricators, LLC (“Central Steel”), which was acquired in May 2024. Gross margin was 21.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to 14.3% for the prior year period. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to strategic price increases as well as the acquisition of Central Steel. Operating income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $2.2 million, compared to approximately $0.9 million in the prior year period.

    Corporate and Other

    The Corporate and Other segment operating loss was approximately $1.3 million and $2.4 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

    Six Months FY 2025 Financial Summary (in thousands except per share amounts)
      For the six months ended March 31,
        2025     2024     % Change
    Revenue $ 218,521   $ 236,219     -7.5 %
    Operating income $ 2,854   $ 2,703     5.6 %
    Income (loss) before provision for income taxes $ 21,676   $ (5,404 )   N/A
    Net income (loss) $ 16,358   $ (3,963 )   N/A
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 5.20   $ (1.25 )   N/A
    Adjusted EBITDA¹ $ 12,191   $ 13,153     -7.3 %
                       

    Revenue decreased approximately $17.7 million, or 7.5%, to approximately $218.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared to revenue of approximately $236.2 million in the prior year period. The decrease is attributable to the Flooring Manufacturing, Retail-Flooring, and Steel Manufacturing segments, which decreased by approximately $20.0 million in the aggregate.

    Operating income increased approximately 5.6% to approximately $2.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared with operating income of approximately $2.7 million in the prior year period. The increase in operating income is primarily attributable to lower sales and marketing expenses in the Retail-Flooring segment and lower general and administrative expenses in the Corporate and Other segment.

    For the six months ended March 31, 2025, income before provision for income taxes was approximately $21.7 million, compared with a loss before benefit from income taxes of approximately $5.4 million. The increase in income before provision for income taxes is primarily attributable to the $22.8 million gain on the modification of the Flooring Liquidators seller note and the $2.8 million gain on the settlement of the earnout liability related to the Precision Metal Works, Inc. (“PMW”) acquisition and a $0.7 million gain on the settlement of the PMW seller notes, both in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025.

    Adjusted EBITDA¹ for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $12.2 million, a decrease of approximately $1.0 million, or 7.3%, compared to the prior year period Adjusted EBITDA of $13.2 million. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA is primarily due to a decrease in gross profit.

    Six Months FY 2025 Segment Results (in thousands)

      For the six months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Revenue          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 39,740     $ 37,428     6.2 %
    Retail – Flooring   59,146       66,351     -10.9 %
    Flooring Manufacturing   55,815       63,425     -12.0 %
    Steel Manufacturing   63,757       68,841     -7.4 %
    Corporate & Other   63       174     -63.8 %
    Total Revenue $ 218,521     $ 236,219     -7.5 %
               
      For the six months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Operating Income (loss)          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 5,905     $ 4,973     18.7 %
    Retail – Flooring   (4,914 )     (2,935 )   -67.4 %
    Flooring Manufacturing   1,401       2,923     -52.1 %
    Steel Manufacturing   3,362       1,855     81.2 %
    Corporate & Other   (2,900 )     (4,113 )   29.5 %
    Total Operating Income $ 2,854     $ 2,703     5.6 %
               
      For the six months ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
    Adjusted EBITDA¹          
    Retail – Entertainment $ 6,565     $ 5,867     11.9 %
    Retail – Flooring   (2,749 )     (546 )   N/A
    Flooring Manufacturing   3,023       4,774     -36.7 %
    Steel Manufacturing   6,543       5,133     27.5 %
    Corporate & Other   (1,191 )     (2,075 )   42.6 %
    Total Adjusted EBITDA¹ $ 12,191     $ 13,153     -7.3 %
               
    Adjusted EBITDA¹ as a percentage of revenue          
    Retail – Entertainment   16.5 %     15.7 %    
    Retail – Flooring   -4.6 %     -0.8 %    
    Flooring Manufacturing   5.4 %     7.5 %    
    Steel Manufacturing   10.3 %     7.5 %    
    Corporate & Other N/A   N/A    
    Total Adjusted EBITDA¹   5.6 %     5.6 %    
    as a percentage of revenue          
               

    Retail – Entertainment

    The Retail-Entertainment segment revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $39.7 million, an increase of approximately $2.3 million, or 6.2%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $37.4 million. Revenue increased primarily due to changes in product mix toward new products, which generally have higher selling prices. Gross margin increased to 57.8% for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 57.1% for the prior year period. The change in product mix contributed to the increase in gross margin. Operating income for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $5.9 million, compared to operating income of approximately $5.0 million for the prior year period.

    Retail – Flooring

    The Retail-Flooring segment revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $59.1 million, a decrease of approximately $7.2 million, or 10.9%, compared to the prior year period revenue of approximately $66.4 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to the disposition of certain Johnson Floor & Home Carpet One stores in May 2024. Gross margin for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was 35.9%, compared to 37.3% for the prior year period. The decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by a change in product mix. Operating loss for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $4.9 million, compared to an operating loss of approximately $2.9 million for the prior year period. The increase in operating loss was primarily due to the decrease in revenues and gross margin, partially offset by cost reduction initiatives implemented during the second quarter of fiscal 2025.

    Flooring Manufacturing

    The Flooring Manufacturing segment revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $55.8 million, a decrease of approximately $7.6 million, or 12.0%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $63.4 million. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to reduced consumer demand as a result of the ongoing weakness in the housing market and uncertainty about the current economic outlook. Gross margin was 24.6% for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 23.9% for the prior year period. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to changes in product mix. Operating income for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $1.4 million, compared to operating income of approximately $2.9 million for the prior year period.

    Steel Manufacturing

    The Steel Manufacturing segment revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $63.8 million, a decrease of approximately $5.0 million or 7.4%, compared to prior year period revenue of approximately $68.8 million. The decline was primarily driven by lower sales volumes at certain business units partially offset by incremental revenue of $6.9 million at Central Steel, which was acquired in May 2024. Gross margin was 19.7% for the six months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 15.0% for the prior year period. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to strategic price increases, as well as the acquisition of Central Steel. Operating income for the six months ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $3.4 million, compared to operating income of approximately $1.9 million in the prior year period.

    Corporate and Other

    The Corporate and Other segment operating loss was approximately $2.9 million and $4.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

    Non-GAAP Financial Information

    Adjusted EBITDA

    We evaluate the performance of our operations based on financial measures, such as “Adjusted EBITDA,” which is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, and other non-cash or nonrecurring charges. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of the business, including the business’s ability to fund acquisitions and other capital expenditures and to service its debt. Additionally, this measure is used by management to evaluate operating results and perform analytical comparisons and identify strategies to improve performance. Adjusted EBITDA is also a measure that is customarily used by financial analysts to evaluate a company’s financial performance, subject to certain adjustments. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent cash flows from operations, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss, and is indicative neither of our results of operations, nor of cash flow available to fund our cash needs. It is, however, a measurement that the Company believes is useful to investors in analyzing its operating performance. Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities, and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. As companies often define non-GAAP financial measures differently, Adjusted EBITDA, as calculated by Live Ventures Incorporated, should not be compared to any similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

    The use of the word “Company” refers to Live Ventures and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Certain statements in this press release contain or may suggest “forward-looking” information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Words such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar statements are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Live Ventures may also make forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, in its annual report to stockholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by the Company, including, but not limited to, plans and objectives of management for future operations or products, the market acceptance or future success of our products, and our future financial performance. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. Additionally, new risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, or to assess the impact such risk factors might have on our business. Live Ventures undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    About Live Ventures Incorporated

    Live Ventures is a diversified holding company with a strategic focus on value-oriented acquisitions of domestic middle-market companies. Live Ventures’ acquisition strategy is sector-agnostic and focuses on well-run, closely held businesses with a demonstrated track record of earnings growth and cash flow generation. The Company looks for opportunities to partner with management teams of its acquired businesses to build increased stockholder value through a disciplined buy-build-hold long-term focused strategy. Live Ventures was founded in 1968. In late 2011, Jon Isaac, Chief Executive Officer and strategic investor, joined the Company’s Board of Directors and later refocused it into a diversified holding company. The Company’s current portfolio of diversified operating subsidiaries includes companies in the textile, flooring, tools, steel, and entertainment industries.

    Contact:
    Live Ventures Incorporated
    Greg Powell, Director of Investor Relations
    725.500.5597
    gpowell@liveventures.com
    www.liveventures.com

    Source: Live Ventures Incorporated

     
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (UNAUDITED)
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
     
      March 31, 2025   September 30, 2024
      (Unaudited)    
    Assets      
    Cash $ 6,931     $ 4,601  
    Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.1 million at March 31, 2025 and $1.5 million at September 30, 2024   41,205       46,861  
    Inventories, net   122,304       126,350  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   3,754       4,123  
    Total current assets   174,194       181,935  
    Property and equipment, net   80,540       82,869  
    Right of use asset – operating leases   53,547       55,701  
    Deposits and other assets   1,557       787  
    Intangible assets, net   22,591       25,103  
    Goodwill   61,152       61,152  
    Total assets $ 393,581     $ 407,547  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
    Liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 28,368     $ 31,002  
    Accrued liabilities   31,164       31,740  
    Income taxes payable   211       948  
    Current portion of lease obligations – operating leases   13,203       12,885  
    Current portion of lease obligations – finance leases   553       368  
    Current portion of long-term debt   41,423       43,816  
    Current portion of notes payable related parties   10,070       6,400  
    Current portion of seller notes – related parties   —       2,500  
    Total current liabilities   124,992       129,659  
    Long-term debt, net of current portion   53,687       54,994  
    Lease obligation long term – operating leases   44,942       50,111  
    Lease obligation long term – finance leases   42,236       41,677  
    Notes payable related parties, net of current portion   6,894       4,934  
    Seller notes – related parties   18,143       40,361  
    Deferred tax liability   10,607       6,267  
    Other non-current obligations   3,149       6,655  
    Total liabilities   304,650       334,658  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Series E convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 47,840 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024, with a liquidation preference of $0.30 per share outstanding   —       —  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 3,084,351 and 3,131,360 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively   2       2  
    Paid in capital   69,792       69,692  
    Treasury stock common 741,696 and 694,687 shares as of March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively   (9,488 )     (9,072 )
    Treasury stock Series E preferred 80,000 shares as of March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024   (7 )     (7 )
    Retained earnings   28,632       12,274  
    Total stockholders’ equity   88,931       72,889  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 393,581     $ 407,547  
                   
     
    LIVE VENTURES, INCORPORATED
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
    (dollars in thousands, except per share)
     
      For the Three Months Ended March 31,   For the Six Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Revenue $ 107,013     $ 118,626     $ 218,521     $ 236,219  
    Cost of revenue   71,865       83,159       148,011       164,425  
    Gross profit   35,148       35,467       70,510       71,794  
                   
    Operating expenses:              
    General and administrative expenses   28,321       29,824       58,392       57,503  
    Sales and marketing expenses   4,735       6,481       9,264       11,588  
    Total operating expenses   33,056       36,305       67,656       69,091  
    Operating income (loss)   2,092       (838 )     2,854       2,703  
    Other expense:              
    Interest expense, net   (3,933 )     (4,167 )     (8,095 )     (8,330 )
    Gain on extinguishment of debt   —       —       713       —  
    Gain on settlement of earnout liability   —       —       2,840       —  
    Gain on modification of seller note   22,784       —       22,784       —  
    Other income   160       507       580       223  
    Total other income (expense), net   19,011       (3,660 )     18,822       (8,107 )
    Income (loss) before provision for income taxes   21,103       (4,498 )     21,676       (5,404 )
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   5,237       (1,217 )     5,318       (1,441 )
    Net income (loss) $ 15,866     $ (3,281 )   $ 16,358     $ (3,963 )
                   
    Income (loss) per share:              
    Basic $ 5.10     $ (1.04 )   $ 5.25     $ (1.25 )
    Diluted $ 5.05     $ (1.04 )   $ 5.20     $ (1.25 )
                   
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:              
    Basic   3,109,362       3,154,771       3,113,864       3,159,180  
    Diluted   3,138,717       3,154,771       3,143,219       3,159,180  
                                   
     
    LIVE VENTURES INCORPORATED
    NON-GAAP MEASURES RECONCILIATION
     
    Adjusted EBITDA

    The following table provides a reconciliation of Net (loss) income to total Adjusted EBITDA¹ for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
     
      For the Three Months Ended   For the Six Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024   March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024
    Net income (loss) $ 15,866     $ (3,281 )   $ 16,358     $ (3,963 )
    Depreciation and amortization   4,401       4,188       8,816       8,483  
    Stock-based compensation   49       50       100       100  
    Interest expense, net   3,933       4,167       8,095       8,330  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   5,237       (1,217 )     5,318       (1,441 )
    Gain on extinguishment of debt   —       —       (713 )     —  
    Gain on modification of seller note   (22,784 )     —       (22,784 )     —  
    Gain on settlement of earnout liability   —       —       (2,840 )     —  
    Acquisition costs   —       468       —       874  
    Debt acquisition costs   —       —       —       183  
    Other non-recurring charges   (256 )     82       (159 )     587  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 6,446     $ 4,457     $ 12,191     $ 13,153  
     

    1 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures is included below.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils roadmap to boost evolution into IP powerhouse

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 8 — China has revealed a roadmap aimed at promoting efforts to build itself into an intellectual property (IP) powerhouse, according to the National Intellectual Property Administration (NIPA) on Thursday.

    The newly released 2025 Promotion Plan for Intellectual Property Powerhouse Construction clearly defines 118 specific tasks across seven key areas, including improving IP systems and strengthening IP protection.

    A NIPA official stated that the plan focuses on three institutional upgrades — refining IP laws and regulations, optimizing core IP policies, and establishing rules for emerging fields and specialized technologies.

    IP protection efforts will be intensified through strengthened judicial safeguards, upgraded administrative protection, and multi-party collaboration, the official added.

    The plan also prioritizes expanding public IP services and fostering growth in IP-related service industries, the official emphasized.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Press Briefing – May 8, 2025 – 2:00 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Spokesperson Tammy Bruce leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on May 8, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcUeRfjSV-I

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Advancements In Drone Technology Opening Up New Applications as Market Size Estimated to Reach $57 Billion by 2028

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Drone services are progressively replacing legacy services in the commercial sector, such as aerial surveys, filmography, and search and rescue operations. They offer the advantages of prolonged operation, remote control by human operators, or autonomous functioning by onboard computers. The increasing adoption of drone services across various civil and commercial applications can be attributed to their extended endurance and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, IoT (Internet of Things), and cloud computing into drone services is expected to further boost their demand across various sectors. A report from MarketsAndMarkets said that the Global Drone Services Market Size is estimated to reach USD 57.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 27.7% during the forecast period. The report continued: “The drone market size continues to expand as the drone services industry evolves, offering a diverse range of services for both remotely controlled and autonomously flown drones. This industry integrates software-controlled flight plans into drones’ embedded systems, making it a critical component in sectors like agriculture, insurance, construction, marine, aviation, oil & gas, mining, and infrastructure. The demand for these services, which includes tasks such as search and rescue, package delivery, industrial inspections, imaging, and healthcare supply distribution to remote areas, significantly contributes to the growing drone market size.”   Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: TDY), ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PRZO), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC).

    MarketsAndMarkets added: “In terms of market segmentation, drone services are categorized by the type of service provided, including platform services (further divided into flight piloting and operation, data analysis, and data processing), maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), and simulation and training. The application-based segmentation encompasses inspection and monitoring, mapping and surveying, spraying and seeding, filming and photography, transport and delivery, as well as security, search, and rescue. The industry-based segmentation covers a wide spectrum of sectors, including construction and infrastructure, agriculture, utility, oil & gas, mining, defense and law enforcement, media and entertainment, scientific research, insurance, aviation, marine, healthcare and social assistance, and transportation, logistics, and warehousing. These industries rely heavily on drones for functions like inspection, monitoring, and photography, further driving the drone market size.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Tests Proprietary Camera Enabling IQ Nano Drone Swarms for US Defense Applications and Blue UAS Submission – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone is testing a new proprietary specialized camera that enables more efficient indoor applications such as inventory and security management, when utilizing IQ Nano drone swarms for commercial and US defense applications. The new camera prototype developed by its Taiwan component manufacturing subsidiary, Spider Vision Sensors, in collaboration with its certified electronics manufacturing partner, Suntek Global, will enable faster and more precise collection of data including multiple bar codes simultaneously scanned by multiple drones in a drone swarm. The company plans to apply for Blue UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) certification that lists and validates drones for military and government use.

    “Our Spider Vision Sensors subsidiary in collaboration with Suntek Global, has helped us speed up development of customized and specialized cameras required for our innovative drone swarm applications for commercial and defense customers. This partnership will continue to be invaluable as we develop our NDAA-compliant supply chain and received Blue UAS certification which will allow military and federal agencies to directly purchase our drones.,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    Military and Defense departments use small autonomous indoor drones like the 10X10 inch IQ Nano for various applications such as inventory management, indoor building reconnaissance, search and rescue, training simulations, and explosives detection. ZenaDrone is also engaged in a paid trial which includes developing drone swarm applications for inventory management and security applications with a multinational auto parts manufacturer customer.

    A drone swarm is a coordinated group of autonomous drones that communicate and work together using AI and real-time data sharing, to perform tasks collaboratively without direct human control. Drone swarms enhance efficiency, accuracy, automation, and performance compared to a single drone. Autonomous drones can rapidly scan thousands of bar codes or RFID tags per second with high accuracy, providing real-time visibility into inventory without disrupting workflows. A drone swarm can also cover more ground simultaneously, dramatically reducing inventory audit times and manual labour while providing near-total inventory visibility.

    An AI drone swarm for indoor security and surveillance enhances coverage, response time, and efficiency by autonomously patrolling large areas, detecting threats, and providing real-time situational awareness. Unlike stationary cameras or human patrols, drone swarms can dynamically adapt to security breaches, track intruders, and coordinate movements to eliminate blind spots. AI-driven analytics enable them to identify anomalies, recognize faces, and detect unauthorized activity with high precision, reducing false alarms and improving security decision-making. Their autonomous nature minimizes human labor costs while ensuring 24/7 monitoring in complex environments like warehouses, data centers, or commercial facilities.

    The ZenaDrone IQ Nano is available in 10×10 and 20×20-inch sizes, designed to perform regular and frequent inspections such as bar code or RFID scanning, facility maintenance inspections, security monitoring, 3D indoor mapping and other applications inside a warehouse, distribution, or plant facility. It is designed for autonomous use featuring integrated sensors, high-quality cameras, data collection and analysis including AI methodologies. Weighing 1.5kg and with a flight time of at least 20 minutes before utilizing the automatic battery recharging station, it is designed for hovering stability and safety with obstacle avoidance capabilities.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) Expands Ireland Office Offering Drone as a Service (DaaS) Including Precision Agriculture to a European Market Growing at 28.6% Annually – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces it will be expanding operations and opening a new, larger office and its European Headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. The new hub will facilitate the Company’s drone sales and DaaS drone services — including precision agriculture solutions — to a growing UK and European market. The Company anticipates the official grand opening during the summer of 2025.

    Strategically located near Dublin Airport and accessible via all major motorways, the new office location will serve a growing customer base in Ireland and enable growth across Europe, catering to agriculture as well as construction, renewable energy — including wind and solar farms — golf courses, racecourses, and warehouse and logistics.

    “Expanding our Dublin office and establishing a European HQ marks a new chapter in our strategy to scale our drones and DaaS offerings globally while servicing the fastest growing agricultural drone markets located in Europe. Our AI-powered drone solutions are designed to boost crop yields while reducing operational costs and provide smart, data-driven insights — empowering crop monitoring and health assessment, nutrient and resource optimization, and profitability,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    The European agricultural drone market was valued at approximately USD 4.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 43.23 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.58% according to Market Data Forecast . This growth is fueled by the adoption of drones for crop spraying, mapping, pest control, seeding, and remote sensing, which enhance productivity and resource efficiency in farming. Growth is also supported by favorable European government policies and a strong focus on sustainable farming practices.    Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: TDY), has recently announced a number of upgrades to its Black Hornet® 4 Personal Reconnaissance System to further boost operational effectiveness for warfighters. The enhanced features are being showcased at the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week annual conference at the Tampa Convention Center, May 6 to May 8.

    In development over the past year, the series of improvements include a 50% increase in Black Hornet’s radio communications range from two to three kilometers (in optimal conditions). The BH4’s new Android tablet, part of the ground control station, now has up to twice the battery life, plus a battery heater for charging in cold temperatures. The new tablet also features improved ergonomics, making it easier to use while wearing gloves.

    Black Hornet 4 can operate in 25-knot winds and rain, and extensive testing was performed to validate its already rugged endurance capabilities. The drone itself is now IP-52 rated, able to withstand 7.6 mm of rain per hour while in flight, while the ground control station boasts an IP-54 rating.

    Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), a United States based manufacturer and distributor of drone parts recently has successfully closed a confidentially marketed public offering for the sale of 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at the offering price of $5.00 per share (the “Offering”) resulting in gross proceeds of $40 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The Offering closed on May 7, 2025.

    Allan Evans, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other members of the Company’s Board of Directors and all members of the Company’s advisory board purchased shares in the Offering on the same terms as the other investors. “We are overwhelmed by the level of support from everyone involved in the process,” said Allan Evans “This raise is absolutely a case of everyone putting their money behind accelerating American manufacturing for drones”.

    ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PRZO), an aerospace company focused on safety systems for commercial unmanned aircrafts and defense Counter UAS systems, recently announced that it has received a new order for dozens of units of its innovative SafeAir™ M4 system. The order was placed by a prominent European drone distributor that serves a wide range of commercial, public safety, and enterprise drone operators across the region.

    The SafeAir™ M4, ParaZero’s next-generation autonomous parachute recovery system, is designed for seamless integration with DJI’s Matrice 4 series. It features a newly developed deployment mechanism with real-time telemetry and is designed and expected to comply with the highest European regulatory standards to enable safe flight in urban areas throughout the EU.

    Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven security solutions, recently announced it has successfully completed multiple demonstrations of its patented Safe Pro Object Threat Detection (SPOTD) technology to various branches of the U.S. Department of Defense. Following these briefings, the Company commenced the integration of its SPOTD technology onto the Win-TAK platform, part of the U.S. Army’s Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) software ecosystem.

    As a result of these successful demonstrations, the Company is accelerating additional development efforts that seek to integrate the Company’s SPOTD technology into the full TAK software ecosystem which includes the U.S. Army’s ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit or ATAK) platform. Integration of SPOTD into ATAK is designed to allow detections of small explosive threats instantly identified in drone-based imagery by the Company’s AI technology to be quickly pushed across potentially hundreds of thousands of soldier-carried and vehicle-mounted wireless connected devices widely utilized by the U.S. Armed Forces.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER:  FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may,” “future,” “plan” or “planned,” “will” or “should,” “expected,” “anticipates,” “draft,” “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Instant Loans Online Guaranteed Approval Direct Lenders No Credit Check – IOnline Payday Loans

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHERIDAN, Wyo., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Instant loans are short-term loans that are processed and funded rapidly, enabling borrowers to access funds within minutes or hours, offering quick cash loans. This article explores what an instant loan is, how to apply for an instant personal loan online, the advantages and disadvantages of instant loans online guaranteed approval, emergency loans, and how to select the right lender.

    >> Click Here to Apply for No Credit Check Loans >>

    We will specifically highlight the offerings of IOnline Payday, a lender that specializes in instant loans. Topics will include payday loans with instant funding to debit cards in California and loans of up to $5,000 with instant approval.

    >> Click Here to Apply for No Credit Check Loans >>

    What is an Instant Loan Guaranteed Approval?

    An instant loan is a type of loan that can be obtained quickly, often with fast approval, although the term “instant loan” may also refer to the speed of funding, such as instant payday loans guaranteed approval direct lenders. These loans can be utilized for various personal needs and are particularly helpful in urgent financial situations such as emergency loans no credit check.

    >> Click Here to Apply for No Credit Check Loans >>

    Instant loans encompass a wide range of loan types, including payday loans, which must be repaid quickly; personal loans for bad credit, which may not require a credit check; small payday loans; and secured loans, which are backed by collateral.

    This article explores the different types of instant loans, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks.

    How to Get an Instant Loan Online Guaranteed Approval?

    Securing an instant loan online guaranteed approval has become easier than ever, thanks to the emergence and growth of digital lending platforms that simplify the application process and provide faster funding solutions, including best personal loans no credit check.

    Borrowers looking to obtain an instant loan typically start by researching lenders that offer online payday loans and IOnline Payday, ensuring they understand the terms and conditions before applying. The application process for these loans is often quick and requires minimal documentation, making them accessible even to individuals with poor credit who seek personal loans with no credit check.

    After submitting their applications, many lenders provide same-day feedback, allowing borrowers to receive the funds they need—often via direct deposit into their bank accounts—within just a few hours.

    What are the Requirements for an Instant Payday Loan?

    To qualify for an instant loan, applicants must meet several basic requirements, which are generally consistent across most lenders and loan types, including bad credit applicants. Most lenders stipulate that applicants must be at least 18 years old and legal residents of the United States.

    Income verification is essential, as lenders need to assess how borrowers will repay their loans and their repayment ability. While traditional loans consider credit history and scores, many instant loans, particularly payday loans, are designed for individuals with poor credit and often come with flexible terms and guaranteed approval in many cases.

    Here are the basic requirements for instant loans, including $255 payday loans and unsecured personal loans:

    • Age: Most lenders require applicants to be at least 18 years old, as those below this age cannot legally enter into a loan contract.
    • Income: Lenders typically prefer applicants to have a stable income, which is usually verified through paychecks. However, many lenders also accept other forms of income, such as rental income, pension income, and government assistance.
    • Residency: Some lenders may require proof of residency, as they generally prefer borrowers who are established in their communities.
    • Financial Documentation: Providing documentation such as bank statements or pay stubs can increase the likelihood of approval.

    Instant loan options are intentionally inclusive, allowing individuals with below-average credit histories to access the assistance they need, including installment loans. This approach enables even the most financially challenged individuals to receive crucial support.

    Instant Loan Options Offered by IOnline Payday

    IOnline Payday offers a diverse range of instant loan options, including short term loans, enabling borrowers to find the right solution for their financial needs. These options include online payday loans, instant cash loans, and even a $100 loan through an instant app.

    IOnline Payday specializes in providing instant loans in various amounts, from small to large, featuring a simple application process accessible to borrowers with good, fair, or even poor credit.

    Instant Personal Loan Online Guaranteed Approval

    The instant personal loan offered online by IOnline Payday is designed to provide borrowers with quick access to funds for various personal financial needs, whether for emergency expenses or planned purchases and investments.

    These loans typically feature a streamlined application process, ensuring a hassle-free experience and rapid funding upon approval. Available for a wide range of financial purposes, instant personal loans offer borrowers flexible terms and quick solutions.

    The advantages of these loans arise from their easy approval process and straightforward eligibility requirements, which enable many individuals to secure the financial support they need. Most consumers find the requirements manageable and can conveniently apply for their loan online from the comfort of their homes.

    Instant personal loans online usually offer three key benefits:

    • They expedite the funding process, often requiring little to no paperwork.
    • They can be utilized for various needs, such as medical emergencies, home improvements, or debt consolidation.
    • Lenders can provide competitive interest rates tailored to each individual’s financial situation.

    This user-friendly lending model enables borrowers to better manage their expenses and navigate financial challenges.

    Payday Loan Instant Funding to Debit Card in California with Loan Approval

    In California, the option for instant funding of payday loans to debit cards offers residents immediate access to cash, effectively addressing urgent financial needs with convenience and speed. Borrowers can apply online and have funds directly deposited into their debit accounts, ensuring a seamless experience.

    This service is particularly beneficial for individuals facing unexpected expenses, allowing them to manage their finances without prolonged waiting periods.

    Designed with accessibility in mind, this financial service enables individuals, including those from various U.S. states, to navigate their emergencies effortlessly. The straightforward application process allows them to fill out a form in just a few minutes, significantly reducing the barriers often associated with traditional banking loans. Additionally, the approval criteria are typically more lenient, which can help those with less-than-perfect credit scores.

    With instant funding, borrowers can expect to see their funds reflected in their debit accounts within hours, making it an ideal solution for urgent needs such as medical bills, car repairs, or unexpected travel expenses. Many lenders offer 24/7 support, ensuring that assistance is available whenever necessary. Ultimately, this option promotes financial well-being, enabling individuals to quickly regain control over their circumstances.

    Instant Cash Loan with Quick Application

    An instant cash loan is a financial product that provides borrowers with quick access to cash, making it easy to apply for and rapidly funded. This type of unsecured loan is popular in U.S. states for its efficiency. This type of loan is an effective solution for individuals who need immediate financial support, as it can help cover urgent expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, or other unexpected costs. The convenience and speed of obtaining an instant cash loan make it a popular choice for those who struggle to secure traditional financing options.

    The benefits of instant cash loans extend beyond mere convenience; users in London find this especially beneficial; the ability to quickly access funds during a financial crisis offers borrowers a sense of security and relief. Most instant cash loan applications, approvals, and disbursements are conducted online, allowing borrowers to complete the entire process virtually.

    Loan Features and Benefits of Instant Cash Loans:

    • Fast Approval: Most requests are processed instantly, with many lending platforms providing decisions in three minutes or less.
    • Flexible Repayment Options: Lenders offer various repayment plans that allow borrowers to choose a schedule that best fits their financial situation, easing additional stress.
    • No Collateral Required: These loans do not necessitate any assets to be pledged, making them accessible to a wider audience, including those with low credit finance.

    By utilizing these financial products, individuals can address their immediate needs while also taking steps to restore their financial well-being through platforms like CreditNinja.

    $100 Loan Instant App – Powered by IOnline Payday

    The $100 loan instant app offered by IOnline Payday exemplifies a mobile platform that provides small, short-term loans to borrowers in need with minimal complications. Users can complete a quick application directly from their mobile devices, enabling them to access funds whenever necessary. The convenience of instant approval through the app means that funds are often made available almost immediately, helping borrowers cover short-term expenses and manage immediate cash flow needs more effectively.

    This mobile app is designed to streamline the borrowing experience, making it easy and beneficial for those who require financial assistance, including those facing a credit inquiry.

    Its features facilitate a significantly quicker borrowing process compared to traditional lenders, who often impose time-consuming procedures. With the app, users can:

    • Provide their information in just a few minutes
    • Receive real-time notifications regarding their approval status
    • Access funds directly in their bank accounts without any waiting period

    The app not only simplifies the loan acquisition process but also offers crucial support for individuals seeking rapid financial assistance without excessive paperwork. It allows consumers to address urgent expenses quickly and easily, whether related to unexpected medical bills or car repairs. The ability to obtain small loans swiftly has transformed how people handle financial emergencies, providing them with a sense of enablement when facing cash flow issues.

    With the rapid growth of mobile banking, this app demonstrates how technology can deliver essential solutions while prioritizing user convenience and efficiency.

    $5,000 Loan Instant Approval – Offered by IOnline Payday Loans

    The $5,000 loan instant approval option through IOnline Payday enables borrowers to access larger amounts of money for essential expenses without the delays typically associated with traditional lending.

    This type of loan usually features a simplified application process, allowing approved applicants to receive their funds quickly and easily. Flexible terms are often available, enabling borrowers to choose repayment options that best suit their needs.

    Many lenders provide the $5,000 loan instant approval option online, leveraging modern technology to allow applicants to complete the process in minutes rather than days, as is common with traditional banks. One key characteristic of this loan option is its accessibility; obtaining it is generally straightforward. The application process is streamlined, requiring minimal documentation and avoiding lengthy background checks.

    This ease of access can be particularly beneficial for individuals facing unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or home repairs, where immediate access to funds is crucial. Big Buck Loans also offers similar services.

    The quick turnaround time for disbursement helps individuals address urgent financial needs without prolonged stress.
    Overall, the convenience of the $5,000 loan instant approval option aligns well with the fast-paced demands of today’s economy.

    $255 Payday Loan Instant Funding to Debit Card – Provided by IOnline Payday Loans

    The $255 payday loan with instant funding to a debit card is a financial product designed to provide borrowers with quick access to funds that are deposited directly into their debit cards. This feature is particularly beneficial for those facing financial emergencies, such as unexpected medical bills or car repairs. With minimal requirements and immediate availability, this payday loan serves as a rapid source of cash.

    Pros:

    • Speed: Funds are available almost immediately following a brief approval process.
    • Accessibility: It is easy to qualify for, even for individuals without established credit histories.
    • Convenience: Funds are delivered instantly to a debit card, ensuring easy access.

    Cons:

    • High Rates: Lenders often impose higher-than-average fees.
    • Debt Cycle: Frequent reliance on payday loans can lead to a cycle of borrowing that is challenging to escape.

    How Long Does it Take to Get an Instant Loan?

    The time it takes to obtain an instant loan varies depending on the lender and the type of loan. Many online payday loans, however, offer some of the fastest funding options available, including same-day funding. Most borrowers can complete the application in under an hour, and if approved, funds can be made available on the same day.

    Some lenders even provide 1-hour payday loans for situations where borrowers urgently need cash due to unforeseen circumstances. Understanding the processing times for different loan products can help borrowers plan effectively. Generally, the average loan processing time ranges from one to three business days.

    Several factors influence this timeline, including lender policies, the complexity of the application, and the type of loan being sought. Traditional banks typically take longer due to their thorough verification processes, while online lenders often expedite approval timelines to assist borrowers facing emergencies.

    The following are examples of processing times that borrowers should be aware of:

    • Same-Day Loans: Many lenders offer same-day approval and funding, which can be especially valuable for borrowers in emergencies.
    • Expedited Processing: Some lenders allow borrowers to pay an extra fee for faster loan processing.
    • Loan Types: Personal loans and payday loans may have different timelines for availability.

    Being aware of the timing associated with each of these options can help borrowers make informed decisions and select the best loan options to meet their immediate needs.

    What are the Benefits of an Instant Loan?

    Instant loans offer numerous benefits that cater to the diverse needs of borrowers, making them an increasingly popular choice for those seeking quick financial solutions.

    The streamlined application process allows individuals to apply from the comfort of their homes. Unlike traditional loans, which often require extensive paperwork, instant loans typically demand only a few essential documents.

    Additionally, many instant loans come with flexible terms, enabling borrowers to customize repayment options to fit their financial capabilities. Furthermore, these loans often provide no credit check options, making them accessible to a wider range of applicants, including those with poor credit histories.

    Ultimately, instant loans grant borrowers quick access to cash, helping them address emergency financial needs.

    Quick and Easy Application Process

    One of the main advantages of instant loans is the straightforward application process, which makes borrowing easy for those facing emergencies. Unlike traditional loans that often involve extensive paperwork and lengthy approval times, online payday loans enable borrowers to complete a short application form in just a few minutes.

    This efficiency allows applicants to bypass unnecessary steps, resulting in quick funding that addresses urgent financial needs as soon as possible. The user-friendly design of online platforms enhances accessibility, ensuring that borrowers can easily navigate the necessary steps without feeling overwhelmed.

    For individuals who may not have much experience with borrowing, online payday loans feature intuitive interfaces with clear instructions and support options that enhance the user experience and provide transparent fees.

    Several factors contribute to the ability for individuals to receive funds almost instantly, including rapid turnaround times, secure application processes, and flexible repayment options. This timely access to cash reduces stress and enables borrowers to regain their financial stability without prolonged uncertainty.

    No Credit Check Loans Required

    The availability of no credit check loans guaranteed approval offers a significant advantage for many borrowers, particularly those with poor credit who may find it challenging to secure financing through traditional means, including bad credit loans.

    Instant loans, especially payday loans, typically do not require a credit check, making them more accessible to individuals facing urgent financial needs. This feature enables borrowers to obtain the funds they require quickly, without the burden of their credit history affecting their chances of approval.

    This approach not only alleviates financial pressure but also promotes responsible borrowing by providing opportunities to rebuild credit over time. For individuals caught in a cycle of financial instability, these loans can serve as a lifeline, allowing them to address immediate expenses such as medical bills or unexpected car repairs.

    The implications of no credit checks, often seen in payday loans no credit check options, broaden access to essential funds, supporting borrowers in their efforts to regain control over their finances. This practice reduces barriers to entry for individuals who have been denied traditional loans, helps borrowers manage unforeseen economic challenges, and promotes financial inclusion by addressing the needs of underserved populations.

    By facilitating this form of immediate assistance, lenders, including those in the lender network, foster a sense of hope and possibility for those who have previously been marginalized by conventional lending practices.

    Instant Approval and Funding

    Instant loans offer quick approval and funding, making them a preferred choice for borrowers in need of immediate cash compared to traditional lending options and providing a quick online process. Many lenders in the payday loan sector can provide same-day funding as long as the application is approved.

    Whether to cover a medical bill, a car repair, or a broke appliance, the instant availability of funds is often cited as the primary benefit of these loans. For borrowers, particularly those with low incomes and little to no savings, the ability to access funds during a financial crisis is invaluable.

    While many consumer loan providers can deliver funding by the next business day, some lenders can facilitate same-day funding. These include payday lenders, who may disburse funds in cash, via money order, prepaid debit card, or through direct deposit into the borrower’s checking account.

    Rapid approval and funding provide borrowers with the means to handle urgent financial situations, such as medical emergencies, car repairs, overdue bills, and unexpected expenses, all of which can cause significant distress. Research from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) revealed that 70% of individuals using instant loan services feel less stressed after quickly resolving their financial issues.

    Parents, for instance, can access instant cash loans to manage unexpected expenses related to their children. For example, if a child has an accident while playing and requires immediate medical attention, parents often need to pay for parking and medical bills before they can file an insurance claim, which may involve payday loans online.

    To illustrate the differences between a traditional loan and an instant loan, consider the following scenario: You need $1,500 for a family medical bill and approach your bank, where you have an excellent account history, for a traditional personal loan.

    The Traditional Loan Process: as seen in many financial institutions.

    • You submit a loan application.
    • Approval may take two to three business days, though it could be quicker if you have an existing account with the lender.
    • The lender’s underwriting process may take an additional one to two business days.
    • You receive your funds, which could take another business day, depending on the time of day you applied.

    Total Time for the Traditional Loan Process: 4-6 business days.

    The Instant Cash Loan Process:

    In contrast, the steps and timelines for an instant loan are as follows:

    • You submit a loan application.
    • The lender may approve it within an hour, provided you have accurately filled in all required fields and submitted the necessary documents.
    • Although instant loans are generally for smaller amounts (often a few hundred dollars) or short-term loans with higher interest rates, the lender may take some time to verify your information due to the increased risk of fraud.
    • The lender can transfer the funds electronically to your account or provide them via a prepaid debit card, offering flexible loan terms.

    Total Time for the Instant Cash Loan Process: A few hours.

    In summary, instant loans, including same day feedback options, deliver a significantly faster and more convenient solution for those in urgent financial need compared to traditional loans.

    Flexible Repayment Options, Including Loan Alternatives

    Flexible repayment options are a significant advantage of instant loans, enabling borrowers to customize their repayment plans based on their individual financial situations. Many lenders provide a variety of terms that cater to different budgets and repayment capacities, offering alternatives suitable for both experienced borrowers and those with poor credit.

    Whether choosing short-term repayment schedules or longer installment loans, these flexible terms help ensure that borrowers are not overwhelmed by their obligations, resulting in a more manageable repayment experience.

    The availability of tailored repayment options allows individuals to select plans that align with their income cycles and cash flow patterns. This increased adaptability greatly enhances the financial stability of borrowers by alleviating the stress associated with rigid payment schedules.

    For instance, some lenders may offer the option of bi-weekly payments instead of the standard monthly schedule, which can be more convenient for those who receive paychecks at varying intervals. Others may permit borrowers to choose longer loan terms, resulting in lower monthly payments and increased affordability.

    Ultimately, these diverse loan terms not only accommodate a range of financial situations but also enable borrowers to take control of their repayment processes, leading to improved overall financial well-being.

    What Are the Risks of an Instant Loan for Bad Credit?

    While instant loans offer several advantages, it is crucial for borrowers to understand the associated risks of this type of financing. The most significant risks of instant loans include the fact that their interest rates are often very high, resulting in substantial repayment amounts over time.

    Additionally, the short repayment terms typically associated with payday loans can lead borrowers who are unable to repay their loans quickly into a cycle of debt, which may cause further financial difficulties. By being aware of these risks, individuals can make informed decisions before accepting an instant loan.

    High Interest Rates

    The primary risk associated with instant loans is the potential for high interest rates, which can significantly increase the total amount owed. Many payday loans, designed for quick access to cash, come with very high interest rates that may not be immediately apparent to borrowers.

    As individuals navigate their financial needs, it is crucial for them to understand the implications of these elevated rates in order to avoid the risk of further financial hardship and escalating debt.

    The high interest rates on instant loans typically result from a combination of the lender’s risk assessment and the borrower’s financial situation. Borrowers often seek these loans due to urgent financial needs and limited alternatives, which creates an environment where lenders can impose excessive fees.

    Research indicates that the average annual percentage rate (APR) for payday loans can exceed 400%, dramatically increasing the repayment amount. For instance, a $500 loan at a 400% APR, if paid in full within 30 days, would require a repayment of nearly $750, highlighting the potential for hidden fees.

    Before taking out these loans, borrowers should be aware not only of the short-term benefits but also of the long-term risks associated with accumulating debt. Knowledge and awareness are essential for individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

    Short Repayment Terms

    Short repayment terms pose a significant risk associated with instant loans, particularly payday loans and their payday borrowing options, which often require repayment within just a few weeks. This limited timeframe can pressure borrowers to quickly gather the necessary funds for repayment, leading to financial strain if they are unable to meet their obligations on time.

    It is essential for anyone considering these borrowing options to fully understand the dangers of short repayment terms and to assess their ability to repay quickly. The urgency of such deadlines can compel borrowers to resort to high-interest financing options or roll over their loans, both of which can result in an inescapable debt spiral.

    To avoid falling into this precarious situation, borrowers can take several prudent steps, including exploring options like online personal loans, to mitigate the challenges posed by short repayment terms.

    • First, they should create a detailed budget that prioritizes monthly expenses, allowing them to plan their spending to ensure sufficient funds for loan repayment.
    • Additionally, exploring repayment options with lenders that offer a gradual repayment plan can be beneficial.
    • Lastly, building an emergency fund by setting aside a small amount each month— even as little as $5— can provide some savings to cover unexpected expenses.

    By taking these steps, borrowers can better manage their repayment schedules and reduce the risks associated with short-term loans.

    Potential for Debt Cycle

    The potential for a debt cycle poses a significant risk associated with instant loans, particularly for borrowers who are not adequately prepared to repay their loans on time. If individuals are unable to repay instant loans promptly, they may resort to taking out new loans to cover their existing debts, leading to a perilous borrowing chain as debts accumulate and financial strain escalates. This is a risk that borrowers must recognize to avoid becoming trapped in a cycle that can be difficult to escape and detrimental to their long-term financial health.

    It is crucial for borrowers to be aware of the signs of a debt cycle, which may include increased reliance on loans for everyday expenses, frequently changing due dates, missed payments, and accumulating late fees. To prevent falling into this trap, individuals should establish a strict budget that accounts for all expenses and repayments, ensuring they never borrow more than they can realistically afford to repay.

    If they are struggling to manage their debts, seeking financial counseling from experts like CreditNinja or David Jones can be beneficial.

    Awareness and proactive measures can help individuals evade the pitfalls of a debt cycle.

    How to Choose the Right Instant Loan Lender for Big Buck Loans?

    Choosing the right instant loan lender for your fund finance needs is a crucial step to ensure you receive the financial assistance you need while minimizing potential risks.

    With many lenders available in the instant loan market, it is vital to evaluate your options by considering several factors, including interest rates, repayment terms, and the lender’s reputation within the lending network.

    Reviewing testimonials and feedback from previous borrowers can provide valuable insights into the lender’s reliability and quality of service, helping you select a lender that best meets your needs.

    Research and Compare Lenders with Low Credit Finance

    Researching and comparing lenders is a crucial step in obtaining an instant loan, especially in cities like London, as it enables borrowers to identify options that best suit their needs. In today’s digital world, numerous tools and resources are available to assist individuals in exploring different lenders and their offerings, such as interest rates, fees, and loan terms. Investing time in research can lead to more favorable loan terms and help borrowers avoid predatory lending practices.

    Understanding the nuances of various lender offerings is essential, especially in the often complex realm of personal finance. Online comparison tools can significantly simplify this process by consolidating key elements from multiple lenders into an easy-to-read format.

    Here are some important points to keep in mind:

    • Exploring Customer Reviews: Past borrowers frequently share their experiences with lenders, and analyzing overall trends in customer satisfaction can provide valuable insight into whether a particular company is worth considering.
    • Checking Licensing and Accreditation: Always ensure that the lender is licensed to operate in your state and verify any relevant accreditations.
    • Analyzing Transparency in Terms: Seek out lenders who are upfront about their fees, terms, and penalties.

    By being as transparent as possible with lenders about their financial situations, consumers can build a more secure future for themselves.

    Read Reviews and Testimonials

    Reading reviews and testimonials is one of the most effective ways to choose an instant loan lender, as it offers insight into the experiences of other borrowers. Numerous online platforms and review sites provide individuals with access to feedback about specific lenders, highlighting their customer service, loan processes, and overall satisfaction. This information is invaluable for potential borrowers to assess a lender’s reputation within the lending network and determine whether they can trust the institution with their financial needs.

    Researching these evaluations not only promotes well-considered choices but also enables those seeking financial assistance to identify lenders that align with their expectations and values. Customer feedback serves as a compass, guiding users through the vast array of options available in the lending landscape. By exploring a diverse range of opinions, individuals can identify trends and patterns, revealing which lenders consistently meet or exceed borrower expectations.

    Consulting multiple sources enhances the reliability of the information gathered, fostering a comprehensive understanding of each lender’s offerings. Suggested methods for gathering reviews include:

    • Visiting reputable review websites
    • Participating in online forums
    • Consulting friends or family for personal experiences

    Leveraging customer testimonials can significantly enrich any borrower’s search for the right lending partner.

    Check for Proper Licensing and Regulations

    Ensuring that the immediate loan lender is credentialed and compliant is one of the most important ways to protect yourself financially. The modern financial landscape offers a multitude of options, and understanding the nuances of lenders requires careful discernment.

    Verifying a lender’s credentials is crucial, as it helps borrowers distinguish between reputable and unscrupulous lenders. Unscrupulous lenders often target individuals who may be financially inexperienced or desperate for quick financing. Engaging with uncredentialed or non-compliant lenders can lead to predatory practices, including exorbitantly high interest rates and abusive fees.

    Borrowers should begin by consulting their state’s licensing board or regulatory financial authority to verify a lender’s credentials. This typically involves one of the following steps:

    • Visiting the website of the relevant state agency, which maintains a list of licensed lenders;
    • Calling the regulatory office to inquire about a specific lender’s credentials;
    • Searching online for consumer reviews or warnings regarding particular lenders.

    If a lender lacks proper credentials and compliance, it is essential to question the reasons behind this.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is an instant loan online guaranteed approval?

    An instant loan online guaranteed approval is a type of loan that is approved and disbursed within a short period of time, usually within 24 hours. These loans are guaranteed to be approved as long as the borrower meets the minimum eligibility requirements.

    What is the difference between an instant loan and a traditional loan?

    The main difference between an instant loan and a traditional loan is the time it takes for the loan to be approved and disbursed. Traditional loans can take weeks or even months to be approved and disbursed, while instant loans can be approved and disbursed within 24 hours.

    How do I apply for an instant loan online guaranteed approval?

    To apply for an instant loan online guaranteed approval, you can visit the website of a reputable lender and fill out their application form. You will need to provide some basic personal and financial information and submit any required documents.

    Can I get an instant loan online with bad credit?
    Yes, you can still get an instant loan online with bad credit. Many lenders offer instant loans to individuals with less than perfect credit. However, keep in mind that the interest rates and loan terms may be higher for those with bad credit.

    What is the maximum amount I can borrow with an instant loan online? Can it be processed in 1 hour payday loans?

    The maximum amount you can borrow with an instant loan online varies depending on the lender and your financial situation. Some lenders offer small instant loans, such as $100 loans, while others may offer larger loans up to $5,000.

    How quickly can I receive the funds from an instant loan?

    If you are approved for an instant loan online, the funds will typically be deposited into your bank account within one business day. In some cases, you may be able to receive the funds on the same day if you apply and are approved early in the morning.

    Media Contact:
    Company Name: IOnline Payday Loans
    Registered Office Address: 1095 Sugar View Dr Ste 500 Sheridan, WY 82801
    Company Website: https://ionlinepaydayloans.com/
    Email: mria@ionlinepaydayloans.com
    Phone: 307-777-7311
    Contact person name: Mria

    Disclaimer: This announcement contains general information about IOnline payday loan services and should not be considered financial advice. Ionline Payday Loans does not guarantee loan approval, and loan terms may vary by applicant and lender requirements. Loans are available to U.S. residents only.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/07213980-370a-491b-a3af-a6643b1d5234

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1dc704c-5252-4bf5-8efa-3a29dd3eb2de

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin inspected restored cultural sites as part of his working visit to the DPR

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin visited the Donetsk People’s Republic. As part of his working visit, he held a meeting on the socio-economic development programI region, and also inspected three museums in Mariupol, restored by the Leningrad Region under the supervision of the public-law company “Single Customer in the Sphere of Construction”.

    “I am very happy that we have reached such a pace of work in new regions that we can even work with museums. The local history museum survived and worked even during the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany, and in 2022 it was burned and looted. Specialists gave the building a second life and equipped it with an air conditioning and humidification system to preserve the exhibits. The museum was put into operation, so I asked the director to quickly open the doors to visitors. I also visited the Memorial House-Museum of Andrei Zhdanov, a statesman from Mariupol, created on the instructions of the President. The city bore Zhdanov’s name for 20 years, after which in 1989 it was returned to its historical name,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    During a meeting with the head of the DPR Denis Pushilin and the acting chairman of the DPR government Andrei Chertkov, Marat Khusnullin discussed the implementation of the regional budget, the repair of social facilities, the modernization of public utilities infrastructure, and the attraction of investment.

    “We discussed in detail the renovation of roads and the construction of housing. Denis Vladimirovich identified these topics as some of the most pressing for the further development of the republic and its economy. Therefore, now, within the framework of work not only on the restoration program, but also on the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, we need to take into account all available tools that can create the necessary conditions that improve the quality of life of residents,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Announces Nationwide Effort to Arrest Child Sex Abuse Offenders

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation has concluded a national surge of resources to arrest accused child sex abuse offenders and combat child exploitation. In a coordinated effort by all 55 FBI field offices called Operation Restore Justice, 205 people were arrested and 115 children rescued nationwide last week alone.

    The Atlanta Field Office charged nine people as part of this operation. Five in Atlanta, two out of the Augusta resident agency, and two out of the Rome area. The charges for eight of the subjects range from possession of child sexual abuse material to enticement of a minor. One subject was charged with obstruction of justice.

    All defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    “Our commitment is resolute. FBI Atlanta remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard children from those who seek to harm society’s most vulnerable,” said Paul Brown, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta. “However, let there be no confusion—this week’s operation is just one chapter in a relentless, year-round effort that our dedicated agents are fully invested in. We will continue to leverage every tool and resource at our disposal to track down child predators and ensure they face justice.”

    This initiative, between April 28th and May 1, was a joint effort with federal, state, and local partners to coincide with the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month and highlight the FBI’s ongoing efforts to confront these crimes. Investigating child sex abuse is an ongoing, high-priority mission of the FBI. The FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program coordinates and bolsters efforts to counter all threats of abuse and exploitation of children that fall under FBI jurisdiction—including the production, sharing, and possession of child sexual abuse material; domestic or international travel to engage sexually with children; and the extortion of children to provide sexually explicit material of themselves. VCAC also helps to identify, locate, and recover child victims and strengthen partnerships that are critical to prevent abuse and capture offenders.

    The FBI investigates cases through Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs) located in each field office, allowing the FBI to combine resources with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The FBI also partners with the nonprofit National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    In 2004, the FBI created the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) to identify individuals involved in the sexual abuse of children and the production of child sexual abuse material. The program is a collaborative effort between the FBI and the NMCEC.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Primech AI Plans Production of 300 HYTRON Robots through its China Manufacturing Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primech AI Pte. Ltd. (“Primech AI” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Primech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: PMEC), today announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities through a strategic manufacturing partnership in Guangdong Province, China. The partnership will support the growing global demand for Primech AI’s innovative HYTRON bathroom cleaning robots, with plans to roll out 300 robots in the initial production phase.

    The partnership establishes a comprehensive manufacturing framework with a well-established electronics manufacturer in Huizhou City of Guangdong Province, creating a robust production base to serve markets across Asia and beyond. This strategic location in China’s manufacturing heartland provides Primech AI access to a sophisticated electronics supply chain and specialized technical expertise.

    “This manufacturing partnership in China represents a significant advancement in our production strategy,” said Charles Ng, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI. “The Guangdong region offers unparalleled advantages in electronics manufacturing infrastructure, component sourcing, and technical knowledge, enabling us to scale production efficiently while maintaining the highest quality standards for our HYTRON robots. Our ambitious target of rolling out 300 robots demonstrates our commitment to meeting market demand and accelerating our growth trajectory.”

    Under the terms of the agreement, the manufacturing partner will manage the full production cycle for Primech AI’s HYTRON bathroom cleaning robots, including manufacturing and assembly based on Primech AI’s detailed specifications, implementation of comprehensive quality assurance protocols, performance of rigorous functionality and safety testing, securing necessary certifications to meet international regulatory requirements, and production scheduling and delivery timeline management. The manufacturing agreement covers an initial two-year period and includes provisions for regular quality monitoring, performance reporting, and collaborative development to ensure continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.

    “Quality and reliability are foundational to our HYTRON technology, and our manufacturing partner in China brings extensive experience producing sophisticated electronic and robotic systems,” added Ng. “This collaboration allows us to leverage specialized manufacturing expertise while ensuring our exacting standards are maintained throughout the production process.”

    The strategic location in China provides Primech AI with several key advantages. Access to a mature electronics manufacturing ecosystem enables efficient production scaling and quality control. The proximity to specialized component suppliers streamlines the supply chain and reduces procurement lead times. The facility offers scalable production capacity to meet the growing global demand for HYTRON robots, starting with the 300-unit initial target. Finally, the location provides efficient logistics for serving Asian markets, reducing shipping times and transportation costs.

    This expansion of manufacturing capabilities in China complements Primech AI’s recent product innovations and market expansion initiatives, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to meeting growing global demand for its autonomous cleaning solutions.

    About Primech AI
    Primech AI is a leading robotics company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in technology. With a team of passionate individuals and a commitment to collaboration, Primech AI is poised to revolutionize the robotics industry with groundbreaking solutions that make a meaningful impact on society. For more information, visit www.primech.ai.

    About Primech Holdings Limited
    Headquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit www.primechholdings.com.    

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    Company Contact:
    Email: ir@primech.com.sg

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Matthew Abenante, IRC
    President
    Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
    Tel: 347-947-2093
    Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Five in the Western District of Texas

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    SAN ANTONIO – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    In the Western District of Texas, five individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including Kevin Dale Franklin Jr. in El Paso, charged with receipt and distribution of child pornography; Zaid Mashhour Haddad and Mario Garcia Martinez in San Antonio, charged with access with intent to view child pornography and possession of child pornography, respectively; James Christopher Hoyt in Austin, charged with distribution of material involved the sexual exploitation of children; and Dakota Gunther Vaught in Pecos, charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

    “Cases involving the sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, will always be a priority for this U.S. Attorney’s Office, as it is most certainly our duty to protect our most vulnerable citizens—children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “These operations are significant in that they bring a vast number of resources together to carry out a shared mission and highlight critical criminal cases, but know that we work with our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners year-round and around the clock to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who violate children, their rights and federal law.”

    “The FBI will deploy every resource available to investigate and bring to justice those who sexually exploit children, our most vulnerable population,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “None of this would be possible without the collective efforts of the FBI San Antonio Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force Officers. We also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership and dedication to this important mission.”

    “The FBI El Paso Crimes Against Children Task Force is unwavering in its mission to combat the horrific crime of child exploitation,” said Special Agent in Charge John Morales for the FBI El Paso Field Office. “We pursue these cases relentlessly, every day, without exception because protecting children from predators is among our highest priorities, and we will stop at nothing to identify, investigate the abuse of innocent children, and bring these monstrous individuals responsible to justice. Day-in and day-out we work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure these predators face the full consequences of their depraved actions. Let this message be clear: if you exploit a child, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will make sure you face the full power of the justice system. There will be no refuge for those who prey on our most innocent and vulnerable.”

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. 

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Aemetis Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • California Ethanol passes $2 billion cumulative revenue milestone.
    • Aemetis Biogas increased sales by 10,100 MMBtu compared with same quarter last year
    • Sales of investment tax credits resulted in cash proceeds of $19.0 million during Q1 2025.
    • India Biodiesel received letters of intent in April for an aggregate of $31 million of biodiesel sales to OMCs for delivery in May, June and July of 2025.

    CUPERTINO, Calif., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused on low and negative carbon intensity products that replace petroleum products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, today announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    “Revenues during the first quarter of 2025 of $42.9 million reflect continued and strong execution by our California Ethanol and Dairy Renewable Natural Gas segments. After a pause in production and supply under the OMC contracts, our India Biodiesel segment is now approved to return to regular production levels,” said Todd Waltz, Chief Financial Officer of Aemetis. “We look forward to substantial additional revenues when we receive the LCFS provisional pathway approvals that are expected to approximately double our LCFS revenues and receive the federal Inflation Reduction Act Section 45Z production tax credits,” added Waltz.

    “We are pleased with the continued growth of Aemetis Biogas production and continued progress with building a large centralized dairy digester to process waste from four dairies that is expected to be operational in the next few months,” said Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “Our continued focus on significantly improving cash flow from our California Ethanol segment by replacing fossil natural gas with lower carbon electricity is now underway with the fabrication of the equipment for the mechanical vapor recompression project.”

    Today, Aemetis will host an earnings review call at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time (PT).

    Live Participant Dial In (Toll Free): +1-877-545-0523 entry code 761021
    Live Participant Dial In (International): +1-973-528-0016 entry code 761021
    Webcast URL: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2211/52416

    For details on the call, please visit http://www.aemetis.com/investors/conference-calls/

    Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

    Total revenues during the first quarter of 2025 were $42.9 million compared to $72.6 million for the first quarter of 2024. Delays with the receipt of contracts in India from the government-owned Oil Marketing Companies accounted for the decline in revenue. New OMC letters of intent for $31 million were issued in April 2025 and we started shipments in April. Our Keyes ethanol plant increased revenues by $1.7 million due principally to an increase in the average price of Ethanol from $1.79 during 2024 to $1.98 during the first quarter of 2025. Our Dairy Natural Gas segment sold 70,900 MMBtu of renewable natural gas, an increase of 10,100 MMBtu from the same quarter last year.

    Gross loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $5.1 million, compared to a $0.6 million loss during the first quarter of 2024.

    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.6 million to $10.5 million during the first quarter of 2025 compared to $8.9 million during the same period in 2024, driven primarily from legal and other transaction costs associated with receiving $18 million of cash proceeds from tax credit sales during the first quarter.

    Operating loss was $15.6 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to operating loss of $9.5 million for the same period in 2024.

    Interest expense, excluding accretion of Series A preferred units in the Aemetis Biogas LLC subsidiary, increased to $13.7 million during the first quarter of 2025 compared to $10.5 million during the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, Aemetis Biogas recognized $2.3 million of accretion of Series A preferred units during the first quarter of 2025 compared to $3.3 million during the first quarter of 2024.

    Income tax expense included a benefit from the sale of $7.0 million of Investment Tax Credits during the first quarter of 2025.

    Net loss was $24.5 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to net loss of $24.2 million for the first quarter of 2024.

    Cash at the end of the first quarter of 2025 was $500 thousand compared to $900 thousand at the close of the fourth quarter of 2024. We recorded investments in capital projects related to the reduction of the carbon intensity of Aemetis ethanol and construction of dairy digesters of $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, payments of $15.4 million were applied to the repayment of debt during the first quarter.

    About Aemetis

    Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Aemetis is a renewable natural gas and renewable fuel company focused on the operation, acquisition, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that replace petroleum products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Founded in 2006, Aemetis is operating and actively expanding a California biogas digester network and pipeline system to convert dairy waste gas into Renewable Natural Gas. Aemetis owns and operates a 65 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in California’s Central Valley near Modesto that supplies about 80 dairies with animal feed. Aemetis owns and operates an 80 million gallon per year production facility on the East Coast of India producing high quality distilled biodiesel and refined glycerin. Aemetis is developing a sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel fuel biorefinery in California, renewable hydrogen, and hydroelectric power to produce low carbon intensity renewable jet and diesel fuel. For additional information about Aemetis, please visit www.aemetis.com. 

    Company Investor Relations
    Media Contact:
    Todd Waltz
    (408) 213-0940
    investors@aemetis.com

    External Investor Relations
    Contact:
    Kirin Smith
    PCG Advisory Group
    (646) 863-6519
    ksmith@pcgadvisory.com

    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    We have provided non-GAAP measures as a supplement to financial results based on GAAP. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is included in the accompanying supplemental data. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income/(loss) plus (to the extent deducted in calculating such net income) interest and amortization expense, income tax expense or benefit, accretion expense, depreciation expense, and share-based compensation expense.

    Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income/(loss), operating income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as an indicator of cash flows or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure because management believes that it is a useful performance measure that is widely used within the industry in which we operate. In addition, management uses Adjusted EBITDA for reviewing financial results and for budgeting and planning purposes. EBITDA measures are not calculated in the same manner by all companies and, accordingly, may not be an appropriate measure for comparison.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events or other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to our five-year growth plan; trends in market conditions with respect to prices for inputs for our products versus prices for our products; our ability to fund, develop, build, maintain and operate digesters, facilities and pipelines for our Dairy Renewable Natural Gas segment; our ability to fund, develop and operate our Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Renewable Diesel, and Carbon Capture and Sequestration projects, including obtaining required permits; our ability to receive awarded grants by meeting all of the required conditions, including meeting the minimum contributions; our ability to fund, develop and operate our sustainable aviation fuel and renewable biodiesel projects; our intention to repurchase the Series A preferred units relating to our Aemetis Biogas subsidiary and the expected valuation premium thereof; and our ability to raise additional capital. Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “showing signs,” “targets,” “view,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and predictions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth or implied by such forward-looking statements and related assumptions due to certain factors, including, without limitation, competition in the ethanol, biodiesel and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks including those that may result from current weather conditions, financial market risks, customer adoption, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filed documents. We are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of these forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws.

    (Tables follow)

    AEMETIS, INC.  
    CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  
    (unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)  
                   
            For the three months ended March 31,  
              2025       2024    
                   
    Revenues   $ 42,886     $ 72,634    
    Cost of goods sold     47,966       73,246    
    Gross loss     (5,080 )     (612 )  
                   
    Selling, general and administrative expenses     10,475       8,850    
    Operating loss     (15,555 )     (9,462 )  
                   
    Other expense (income):          
      Interest expense          
        Interest rate expense     11,018       9,092    
        Debt related fees and amortization expense   2,675       1,421    
        Accretion and other expenses of Series A preferred units   2,279       3,311    
      Other (income) expense     (215 )     67    
    Loss before income taxes     (31,312 )     (23,353 )  
      Income tax expense (benefit)     (6,783 )     878    
    Net loss   $ (24,529 )   $ (24,231 )  
                   
    Net loss per common share          
      Basic   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.58 )  
      Diluted   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.58 )  
                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding          
      Basic     52,584       41,889    
      Diluted     52,584       41,889    
                   
             
    AEMETIS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands)
                     
              March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024  
              (Unaudited)      
    Assets              
      Current assets:            
        Cash and cash equivalents     $ 499     $ 898    
        Accounts receivable     1,043       1,805    
        Inventories       22,930       25,442    
        Tax credit sale receivable       –       12,300    
        Prepaid and other current assets       4,021       4,251    
      Total current assets       28,493       44,696    
                     
        Property, plant and equipment, net       199,435       199,392    
        Other assets       14,590       15,214    
      Total assets     $ 242,518     $ 259,302    
                     
    Liabilities and stockholders’ deficit            
      Current liabilities:            
        Accounts payable     $ 32,115     $ 33,139    
        Current portion of long term debt       93,669       63,745    
        Short term borrowings     25,878       26,789    
        Other current liabilities       22,939       20,295    
      Total current liabilities       174,601       143,968    
                     
      Total long term liabilities       348,612       379,262    
                     
      Stockholders’ deficit:            
        Common stock     54       51    
        Additional paid-in capital       313,075       305,329    
        Accumulated deficit     (587,471 )     (562,942 )  
        Accumulated other comprehensive loss       (6,353 )     (6,366 )  
      Total stockholders’ deficit       (280,695 )     (263,928 )  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit     $ 242,518     $ 259,302    
                 
                     
    AEMETIS, INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA TO NET INCOME/(LOSS)
    (unaudited, in thousands)
                 
                 
          For the three months ended March 31,  
      EBITDA Calculation   2025       2024    
                 
      Net income (loss) $ (24,529 )   $ (24,231 )  
      Adjustments        
        Interest and amortization expense   13,705       10,525    
        Depreciation expense   2,357       1,798    
        Accretion of Series A preferred units   2,279       3,311    
        Share-based compensation   2,308       2,969    
        Income tax expense (benefit)   (6,783 )     878    
      Total adjustments   13,866       19,481    
                 
      Adjusted EBITDA $ (10,663 )   $ (4,750 )  
                 
                 
    AEMETIS, INC.
    PRODUCTION AND PRICE PERFORMANCE
    (unaudited)
               
      Three Months ended March 31,  
        2025       2024    
               
    California Ethanol          
    Ethanol          
    Gallons sold (in millions)   14.1       14.1    
    Average sales price/gallon $ 1.98     $ 1.79    
    Percent of nameplate capacity   103 %     103 %  
    WDG          
    Tons sold (in thousands)   93       94    
    Average sales price/ton $ 86     $ 98    
    Delivered Cost of Corn          
    Bushels ground (in millions)   4.8       4.9    
    Average delivered cost / bushel $ 6.63     $ 6.33    
               
    California Dairy Renewable Natural Gas          
    Renewable Natural Gas          
    MMBtu sold (in thousands)   70.9       60.8    
    Average price per MMBtu $ 3.65     $ 4.02    
    MMBtu stored as inventory   33.1       46.8    
    RINs          
    RINs sold (in thousands)   388.2       766.4    
    Average price per RIN $ 2.64     $ 3.08    
    LCFS          
    LCFS credits sold (in thousands)   16.0       18.0    
    Average price per LCFS credit $ 72.50     $ 66.00    
               
    India Biodiesel          
    Biodiesel          
    Metric tons sold (in thousands)   0       27.5    
    Average Sales Price/Metric ton $ –     $ 1,127    
    Percent of Nameplate Capacity   0 %     73.4 %  
    Refined Glycerin          
    Metric tons sold (in thousands)   0.0       2.4    
    Average Sales Price/Metric ton $ –     $ 551    

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Caliber Receives Design Review Approval for PURE Pickleball & Padel Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caliber (NASDAQ: CWD), a real estate investor, developer, and manager, today announced that its joint venture development, PURE Pickleball & Padel™ has gained Design Review approval from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) Planning Department. This approval positions the project to seek a building permit once final construction documents are complete, with a planned ground-breaking shortly after receiving the permit.

    PURE Pickleball & Padel™ is developing an 11+ acre site in the Riverwalk Development Project located in the Talking Stick Entertainment District, a 100-acre site in the SRPMIC adjacent to Scottsdale. PURE will be a world-class pickleball and padel facility and seeks to claim the title of the largest indoor pickleball and padel facility in the world. The 196,726 square feet state-of-the-art facility will boast a 1,200-seat pro arena, 48 indoor courts (40 pickleball, 8 padel), sports performance and recovery fitness center by HonorHealth, restaurant and rooftop bar, pro shop, locker rooms and spa, special event spaces, childcare and other amenities.

    Chris Loeffler, CEO of Caliber, said, “We are grateful to the SRPMIC team for their thoughtful review and approval of this project. Collaboration with the SRPMIC has been instrumental throughout the design review process which has brought an elevated design and uniqueness to the project.”

    Kevin J. Berk, Co-Founder & CEO of PURE, said, “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the SRPMIC for believing in and supporting our vision. I’m deeply grateful to all the incredible teams contributing to this project—your passion, dedication, and commitment to bringing our first facility to life inspires me every day.”

    With the approval of the use and design, the PURE project will now focus on the next phase of development, the completion of construction documents and the approval of a final building permit. This approval also positions Caliber to formally enter the debt markets to finalize its sourcing of construction financing and puts a clear timeline in place for investors funding the equity into the project’s private offering.

    Unique to this project, Caliber created the [insert official fundco offering name here], a single asset offering designed to invest in the real estate, land sublease, and business operations of PURE. The offering allows for direct investment from accredited investors as well as qualified opportunity zone funds (QOFs) seeking to allocate capital to a potentially attractive qualified opportunity zone business (QOZB). Caliber has designed the offering for broad participation, seeking Pickleball & Padel enthusiasts who are looking for exposure to the two fastest growing sports in the United States and the World.

    For more information on the project, visit Caliber’s website.

    About Caliber (CaliberCos Inc.)

    With over $2.9 billion in Managed Assets, Caliber’s 16-year track record of managing and developing real estate is built on a singular goal: to make money in all market conditions, specializing in hospitality, multi-family residential, and multi-tenant industrial. Our growth is fueled by performance and a key competitive advantage: we invest in projects, strategies, and geographies that global real estate institutions often overlook. Integral to this advantage is our in-house shared services group, which gives Caliber greater control over our real estate and enhanced visibility into future investment opportunities. There are multiple ways to participate in Caliber’s success: invest in Nasdaq-listed CaliberCos Inc. and/or invest directly in our Private Funds.

    About PURE Pickleball & Padel
    PURE Pickleball & Padel has partnered with Caliber to build the world’s largest indoor pickleball & Padel facility and pro arena in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a target opening date of late 2026. The 196,726 square feet state-of-the-art facility will boast 48 indoor courts (40 Pickleball and 8 Padel), a 1,200-seat pro arena, along with country club level amenities that include a restaurant and bar, retail pro shop, gym, recovery spaces, VIP lounge, office space, childcare and teen room. PURE is a member-focused, program-driven concept that will connect the two fastest growing sports in the world with the Scottsdale community across all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. With an estimated 800,000 visits annually, the facility plans to host the largest pickleball/padel tournaments in the world.

    About the Talking Stick Entertainment District
    The Talking Stick Entertainment District is a dynamic area for culture, shopping, dining and entertainment, conveniently located within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Located at the Pima-101 Freeway and Talking Stick Way, just 20 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport, Talking Stick is home to Talking Stick Resort, Talking Stick Golf Club, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, The Pavilions at Talking Stick, Arizona Boardwalk at Talking Stick and many more entertainment and hospitality options.

    About the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
    The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is represented by two distinct Native American tribes; the Akimel O’odham (River People), more commonly known as the Pima and the Xalychidom Piipaash (People Who Live Toward the Water) commonly known as the Maricopa; both share the same cultural values but maintain their unique traditions. Today, more than 11,000 individuals are enrolled Salt River tribal members. The SRPMIC is bordered by Tempe, Fountain Hills and Mesa and shares a Scottsdale address. The Community owns and operates several successful enterprises including Salt River Materials Group and Saddleback Communication and hospitality enterprises: Talking Stick Resort, Talking Stick Golf Club and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, all within the Talking Stick Entertainment District, on the northern part of the Community. The culture and the history of the people is an important story to tell and have been interwoven at many of the destination amenities through interior art, building design and landscape.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus related to the Company’s public offering filed with the SEC and other reports filed with the SEC thereafter. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    CONTACTS:
    Caliber Investor Relations:
    Ilya Grozovsky
    +1 480-214-1915
    Ilya@CaliberCo.com

    PURE Pickleball & Padel
    Kevin J. Berk – Co-Founder & CEO
    +1 480-861-7474
    Kevin@purepickleball.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Live Oak Bancshares Announces Appointment of Patrick T. McHenry to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, N.C., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Live Oak Bancshares announced the appointment of Patrick T. McHenry to its board of directors effective May 21, 2025. McHenry has also been appointed to the board of directors of Live Oak Bank.

    “It is a privilege for Live Oak to have the astute financial and policy expertise of Patrick’s caliber join our board of directors,” said Live Oak Bancshares Chairman and CEO James S. (Chip) Mahan III. “His service to the U.S. government, and experience as former chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, will be a valuable addition to our leadership as Live Oak continues its mission to be America’s small business bank.”

    McHenry currently lives in Washington, D.C. and serves as an advisor on public policy, financial services, fintech, and artificial intelligence matters, in addition to serving as a distinguished fellow at Georgetown University’s Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy. He spent 20 years in Congress and is the former Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District. During his time leading the committee, McHenry drove a robust legislative agenda focused on cryptocurrency, capital formation, AI, fintech, data privacy, and corporate governance issues, among other topics.

    “Small business is a critical component of the U.S. economy, and I have long respected Live Oak Bank’s approach to supporting the capital needs of American entrepreneurs,” said McHenry. “There is a unique culture at Live Oak–one driven by an embrace of innovation and technology, two things that inspired much of my public policy work over the last 20 years. I am delighted to be part of the journey Chip and the team are on to serve small businesses in my home state of North Carolina and around the country.”

    In addition to his role as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, McHenry previously served in House Republican leadership as the Chief Deputy Whip and also served as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House in October of 2023. He is a native of Gastonia, NC and a graduate of Belmont Abbey College.

    About Live Oak Bancshares
    Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: LOB) is a financial holding company and parent company of Live Oak Bank. Live Oak Bancshares and its subsidiaries partner with businesses who share a groundbreaking focus on service and technology to redefine banking. To learn more, visit www.liveoak.bank.

    Contact:
    Claire Parker
    Live Oak Bank, Corporate Communications
    910.597.1592
    claire.parker@liveoak.bank

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Angry Shrimp Media Now ‘Go-To’ Growth Engine Builder for Founders and CEOs Scaling Smarter

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Cape Coral, Florida, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Angry Shrimp Media is redefining what smart scale looks like for today’s B2B leaders. Built for SaaS founders & CEOs, VC portfolio companies, and legacy brand owners tired of bloated ads budgets & inefficient funnels; Angry Shrimp delivers lean, high-performing growth systems that actually convert. With customer acquisition costs rising and performance pressure mounting, their proven frameworks are helping Founders and CEOs plug revenue leaks, automate sales pipelines, and scale profitably—without adding unnecessary headcount or overhead. 

    Angry Shrimp Media

    Working at the intersection of marketing automation, strategic business development, and high-ticket sales enablement, Angry Shrimp Media tailors solutions to each client’s customer journey to deliver higher conversion rates and lower customer acquisition costs (CAC). By identifying funnel leaks and building scalable growth architecture, the firm accelerates market adoption while providing companies with predictable revenue paths.

    “At Angry Shrimp Media, we believe that sustainable growth comes from aligning sales, marketing, and operations through intelligent, scalable systems—not guesswork,” said Mandy Gartrell, Founder and CEO. “Our mission is to empower brands to break through their growth ceilings with proven frameworks that blend automation, AI, and strategic insight.”

    Gartrell, a marketing and sales powerhouse with over 16 years of hands-on industry experience; leads a team focused on performance-driven results, not extra costs. The firm’s flexible engagement models—including flat-fee projects, strategic retainers, and revenue-share partnerships—make it an attractive growth partner for companies seeking fast, efficient scale without the burden of expanding internal teams.

    Growth Solutions for a New Era & Leaders Who Want Results

    Angry Shrimp Media’s services are specifically designed for high-growth companies facing challenges in scaling revenue effectively. The firm’s offerings include:

    • Strategic funnel audits and conversion optimization
    • Market Adoption, Architecture, and AI-powered business scaling
    • Full-funnel buildouts and conversion tracking
    • B2B SaaS and legacy brand transformation initiatives
    • Marketing automation systems customized for scalable, repeatable success that also frees up teams and improves efficiency
    • Executive partnership models for CEOs needing senior-level growth strategy without full-time hires
    •  Executive & Founder Growth Leadership Coaching
    • Strategic go-to-market consulting for venture capital backed and legacy businesses

    Angry Shrimp’s impact speaks for itself:

    • A B2B SaaS company saw a 33% increase in qualified leads and a 25% jump in demo-to-close rates after a full-funnel audit and targeted optimization.
    • A PE-backed legacy brand achieved 22% revenue growth in 6 months by implementing a streamlined sales pipeline and automated nurture systems, cutting CAC by 15%.
    • A DTC eCommerce brand scaled to 7-figure revenue while maintaining lean internal operations, thanks to a growth architecture built for efficiency and repeatability.

    By combining AI integration with decades of strategic growth experience, Angry Shrimp Media positions itself as a new kind of partner—one capable of delivering the velocity and precision that today’s competitive market demands.

    About Angry Shrimp Media

    Angry Shrimp Media is a revenue-focused growth consultancy co-founded by Mandy Gartrell, a seasoned Growth Architect and Fractional CMO, and Ryan Gartrell, a sought-after Revenue Operations strategist with over two decades of experience optimizing operational systems and scaling performance. The firm partners with high-growth B2B SaaS companies, venture-backed portfolios, and legacy business owners to engineer smarter scale—driving sustainable revenue through funnel optimization, scalable growth architecture, and sales enablement systems. With a bold name and an even bolder approach, Angry Shrimp Media is the force behind some of today’s most compelling B2B growth stories.

    Learn more at https://angryshrimp.com.

    The MIL Network –